Out-of-School Learning in Hungarian Primary Education: Practice and Barriers

Background: In recent years interest has increased in the role of out-of-school learning (OSL) in improving science education and students' motivation toward learning. In Hungary, however, little is known about the practice and outlook of OSL. Purpose: This study explored (a) how Hungarian primary schools use OSL places (including the location, frequency, and motivation of the visits), (b) the overall attitudes toward OSL, and (c) whether any obstacles to OSL exist that schools need to overcome. Methodology/Approach: We used a large-scale online survey collecting data from a total of 4,861 respondents, which identified the parameters of OSL programs organized by primary schools. Findings/Conclusions: Results reveal that schools follow the recommendations of the National Core Curriculum on OSL, but such programs only occasionally take place, even though the majority of respondents expressed the desire for increased frequency. The main reasons for the low prevalence of OSL activities are difficulties with financial arrangements and fitting them into the syllabus. Implications: Further research should focus on how to overcome barriers to OSL to take the intention of the respondents into consideration.