Beyond the walls: Investigating outdoor learning experiences of social studies teacher candidates in Türkiye

This research aims to clarify the transformative effects of outdoor education on prospective teachers' learning and teaching processes by focusing on the pedagogical foundations of the outdoor learning experience. Phenomenology, a qualitative research design, was used to examine the participants' experiences. According to the research results, outdoor education improves participants' life-based experiential learning and reflective social and emotional skills. These experiences increased teacher candidates' motivation and desire to use outdoor activities professionally. These findings underscore the need to integrate outdoor education into teacher education programs, providing rich learning and teaching experiences. • Outdoor education enriches teacher education. • Encourages basic life skills of teacher candidates, such as creativity and cooperation. • Relates daily life skills to natural and academic areas. • Promotes well-being and psychological resilience. • Fosters creative teaching perspectives and provides rich resources for learning.