Perceptions and Representations of Romanian School Teachers Regarding Educational Innovation

The research explores the perceptions and representations of Romanian schoolteachers regarding the design and implementation of didactic activities from the perspective of outdoor education (OE).The study involved 642 teachers from various curriculum areas, focusing on their pedagogical practices and how they integrate outdoor education into teaching, learning, and assessment processes.The findings emphasise the potential of outdoor education to enhance students' cognitive, social, and emotional development by fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and environmental awareness.Teachers perceive outdoor education as an extension of formal classroom learning, offering practical and engaging contexts that reinforce theoretical concepts.However, challenges such as logistical constraints, lack of resources, and the limited diversity of outdoor activities hinder its full integration into the school curriculum.The study concludes that outdoor education can significantly enrich the educational experience, provided it is systematically planned and aligned with curriculum objectives.Proper teacher training, resource allocation, and institutional support are critical for successful implementation.Outdoor education emerges as a valuable tool for promoting holistic learning and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.