大象传媒

Sometimes the best classrooms have no walls. Gillian Judson鈥檚 Walking Curriculum is not only providing outdoor learning, but is a welcome change for students in the midst of a pandemic.

"Research indicates that there are benefits of spending time outside for mental health and feelings of well-being,鈥� says Judson. 鈥淭he Walking Curriculum enables these health benefits while offering powerful learning opportunities.鈥�

Used by schools across the region and beyond, the 大象传媒 educator鈥檚 resource has been recognized as one of the world鈥檚 most inspiring innovations by education non-profit HundrEd.

The recognition appears in HundrED鈥檚 fourth annual Global Collection鈥檚 Creativity Spotlight. HundrED鈥檚 Global Collection highlights 100 of the most impactful innovations in K-12 education from around the world.

 is based on principles of , such as cultivating students鈥� understanding of the connectedness of all life, concern for the Earth and awareness of Place.

Judson estimates that 100,000 teachers and students worldwide are exploring Walking Curriculum practices, which create a positive impact and help students develop an appreciation for the natural world.

She is currently working with B.C.鈥檚 Network of Inquiry and Indigenous Education (NOIIE) to create a resource that interconnects Walking Curriculum practices and First Nations Principles of Learning.

The 60 walks described in The Walking Curriculum encourage students to explore the environment, view the world from a different perspective, seek evidence of human-nature relationships, and identify patterns or locate natural/human systems through action that blends imagination and Place-based learning.

The Walking Curriculum aims to increase students' feelings of connecting with 鈥榩lace鈥� through using imagination and engaging the body. 鈥淲ith so much screen time these days, learning outdoors through movement and exploration can invigorate and inspire learners,鈥� says Judson.

鈥淢y hope is that post-pandemic, educators will continue to explore what the natural world can teach. We have to learn to pay attention and work to expand understanding of 鈥榮chool鈥� beyond walls and desks and into natural and cultural communities."

AVAILABLE 大象传媒 EXPERT

GILLIAN JUDSON, assistant professor, Faculty of Education 
gcj@sfu.ca 

*Judson is available for interviews or to connect reporters with teachers who are using The Walking Curriculum 

CONTACT 

MELISSA SHAW, 大象传媒  Communications & Marketing 
236.880.3297 | melissa_shaw@sfu.ca

ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

As Canada鈥檚 engaged university, 大象传媒 works with communities, organizations and partners to create, share and embrace knowledge that improves life and generates real change. We deliver a world-class education with lifelong value that shapes change-makers, visionaries and problem-solvers. We connect research and innovation to entrepreneurship and industry to deliver sustainable, relevant solutions to today鈥檚 problems. With campuses in British Columbia鈥檚 three largest cities鈥擵ancouver, Burnaby and Surrey鈥敶笙蟠� has eight faculties that deliver 193 undergraduate degree programs and 127 graduate degree programs to more than 37,000 students. The university now boasts more than 165,000 alumni residing in 143 countries.