Experience and capital factors: Danish pre-service teacher educators’ provision of education outside the classroom in STEM and creative subjects

Education Outside the Classroom (EOtC) is gaining traction in Western schools, particularly in Northern Europe. Drawing on strong cultural capital and habitus of EOtC and outdoor learning in Scandinavia, its integration into teacher education is essential to prepare future teachers for high-quality EOtC. In Denmark, approximately one-third of pre-service teacher educators incorporate EOtC into their teaching through practical activities and reflection. However, the relationship between EOtC provision and educators’ professional experience remains underexplored. This study investigates how the implementation of EOtC in Danish pre-service teacher education associates with educators’ work experience and their professional experience with EOtC practices. Data were drawn from a nationwide survey with pre-service teacher educators in 2022, with a response rate of 38.2% ( n = 311). The findings demonstrate a strong association between educators’ work experience – particularly their EOtC experience – and their likelihood of implementing EOtC in their teaching. Notably, even limited experience (1–3 years) significantly increases the probability of implementation. Subject fields also play a key role, as EOtC is far more prevalent in STEM and creative subjects than in language, culture, and educational subjects. These insights highlight strategic opportunities for strengthening EOtC integration in teacher education, particularly through early educator career experiences and targeted subject support.