Cognitive development of preschool children through outdoor activity programs

This experimental research presented in the article investigates the effectiveness of an innovative outdoor learning intervention program designed to enhance cognitive abilities in middle-group preschool children (ages 4-5). The study addresses the insufficient utilization of natural environments in current early childhood education curricula and the concerning "nature deficit" phenomenon affecting contemporary children. The intervention program, grounded in experiential learning principles and Kolb's theory, was implemented to develop four key cognitive dimensions: logical thinking, problem-solving, understanding causal relationships, and observation and comparison skills. The research employed a comparative design with experimental and control groups to evaluate the program's effectiveness and reflects a transdisciplinary approach.