OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING: RESEARCH PERSPECTIVES AND GUIDELINES FOR INCLUSIVE TEACHING PRACTICES

Abstract

Outdoor Education is a teaching strategy that plays a key role in promoting inclusive learning, particularly when combined with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (Moscato & Pedone, 2024). This paper explores how the UDL framework can be integrated into Outdoor Education practices, demonstrating how its three fundamental principles - engagement, representation, and action/expression - can be used to create flexible, accessible, and motivating learning environments. Starting with a review of the scientific literature, the paper demonstrates how Outdoor Education, supported by the Universal Design for Learning model, can promote students' overall cognitive, motor, emotional and social development, while also stimulating curiosity, resilience and empowerment (Kelly et al., 2022). The paper provides operational Guidelines for designing inclusive outdoor experiences that consider individual differences and systemic barriers, contributing to the development of an equitable education system structured for the success of all.