Developing an Original Instructional Theory for Outdoor Education and Environmental Curriculum in Nigerian Secondary Schools

Outdoor and environmental education offers pedagogical affordances that classroom-based instruction cannot replicate, and developing an original instructional theory grounded in Nigerian ecological and educational contexts provides a foundation for transforming how environmental curriculum is conceptualised and delivered in secondary schools. This study developed an original instructional theory for outdoor education and environmental curriculum in Nigerian secondary schools, with empirical grounding in ecologically rich educational contexts across Cross River (SS), Niger (NC), and Yobe (NE) States. A theory-building methodology employing design-based research, ecological site analysis, and expert consultation was used over 18 months. Design-based research cycles designed, implemented, and iteratively refined outdoor instructional interventions with 16 secondary schools across the three states, generating design knowledge about what worked, why, and under what conditions. Systematic analysis of instructional outcomes across 48 outdoor learning units generated theoretical constructs about outdoor learning mechanisms. The original Outdoor Environmental Curriculum Instructional Theory (OECIT) for Nigerian Secondary Schools proposes six learning mechanisms: place-based ecological encounter, community environmental knowledge activation, ecological systems thinking development, conservation action competency building, interdisciplinary environmental synthesis, and environmental stewardship identity formation. Each mechanism includes instructional design principles, teacher facilitation requirements, safety protocols, assessment approaches, and links to existing curriculum subjects. Expert review by 20 environmental education and curriculum specialists confirmed the theory's original contribution and practical relevance.

Keywords: outdoor education, environmental curriculum, instructional theory, Nigeria, secondary school