Significant design attributes for outdoor learning environment in higher learning institutions

• Main Authors: Abdullah, Fadzidah, Mohd. Yaman, Maheran, Sanusi, Aliyah Nur Zafirah, Asif, Nayeem, Salim, Farha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Press 2021
• Subjects: LB Theory and practice of education; LB2300 Higher Education; LB3201 School architecture and equipment; LC Special aspects of education; LC1001 Types of education; N Fine Arts; NA2542.36 Sustainable architecture
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/91362/2/91362_Significant%20design%20attributes%20for%20outdoor%20learning.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/91362/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/kaed/index.php/japcm/article/download/629/524/1675
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Higher learning institutions are where knowledge of many different disciplines of educational programs is concentrated and disseminated to students. Besides gaining knowledge in the tertiary education system, students are engaging in diverse social, economic, and cultural activities. Students have minimal exposure to outdoor learning activities in the contemporary formal learning system at higher learning institutions because they are using exam�oriented educational programs. In addition, the utilization of outdoor spaces for learning is perceived as causing discomfort for learning because there is not enough provision of learning tools and facilities. Hence, this study aims to identify the most recent characters of outdoor learning settings that are significant for effective higher educational programs. A review of recent scholars' works was conducted to develop a design framework for outdoor learning in a higher learning institution. Later, a survey questionnaire was conducted to validate the significance of the identified design characters. This study highlights the characters of outdoor learning spaces as parts of the significant design attributes in developing and improving students’ learning experience at the tertiary level of education. The information generated from this study will benefit the policymakers, the higher education authorities, designers, academicians, and future students, with a greater understanding of how to design and utilize successful outdoor learning space at higher learning institutions.