In this study, we measured attitudes, beliefs, and intentions about implementing outdoor learning experiences among 56 early childhood professionals before and after attending Growing Up WILD™ (GUW) training. Online pre- and post-surveys were distributed to participants measuring a range of attitudes (i.e., comfort and confidence), beliefs, and intentions (i.e., planning). Overall, after attending GUW training, participants reported feeling more confident facilitating conversations with children about nature and science and more comfortable about planning teacher directed activities, allowing children to take risks, and offering free play. They also expressed fewer concerns about potential barriers to going outside such as family concerns, materials, and curriculum. It also demonstrated participants had greater intentions to engage children in outdoor learning experiences (e.g., outdoor field trips and nature walks). Our findings highlight the impact that GUW training, a brief intervention, can have on early childhood professionals’ attitudes, beliefs, and intentions toward implementing outdoor education. We hope that these attitudinal shifts will encourage early childhood professionals to take young children outside so they can enjoy the benefits of outdoor education.

在这项研究中，我们测量了 56 名幼儿专业人士在参加 Growing Up WILD™ （GUW） 培训前后对实施户外学习体验的态度、信念和意图。向参与者分发在线调查前和调查后，以测量一系列态度（即舒适度和信心）、信念和意图（即计划）。总体而言，在参加 GUW 培训后，参与者报告说，在促进与儿童关于自然和科学的对话时，他们感到更有信心，并且在规划教师指导的活动、允许孩子冒险和提供免费游戏方面更加自在。他们还对外出的潜在障碍（例如家庭问题、材料和课程）表示了较少的担忧。它还表明，参与者更愿意让儿童参与户外学习体验（例如，户外实地考察和自然漫步）。我们的研究结果强调了 GUW 培训（一种简短的干预措施）可能对幼儿专业人士对实施户外教育的态度、信念和意图产生影响。我们希望这些态度的转变将鼓励幼儿专业人士带幼儿到户外，以便他们能够享受户外教育的好处。