Cemetery as an Opportunity for Learning outside the Classroom

Abstract

In this paper , we present an empirical study with the research purpose to determine the opinions of future teachers on experiential learning outside the classroom in the cemetery. We define experiential learning as learning that combines a person’s sensory and emotional experience, thinking, analysis and action into a whole. When planning learning activities of experiential learning outside the classroom, it is necessary to focus on a place that can contribute significantly to a richer learning experience. One of the possible places could be a cemetery. The research sample included 65 students from the last academic year studying primary education at the Faculty of Education of the University of Maribor in Slovenia. The research was conducted in March 2020. The results showed that students associate the word “cemetery” with death, candle, grave and funeral. However, the phrase “teaching at the cemetery” is considered innovative and inappropriate. Most students have no personal experience of teaching in cemeteries. The answers to the question about the appropriateness of teaching at the cemetery are equally divided. Social studies are considered the most appropriate subject for teaching at the cemetery, and sports is the least appropriate. The students also feel that they are not qualified enough to teach outside the classroom.