Outdoor Adventure Education as a Vehicle for Social and Emotional Learning in Physical Education: A Curriculum-Based Review and Conceptual Contribution

Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE) has become an increasingly relevant pedagogical approach
to support Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in physical education. This article
presents a curriculum-based conceptual review developed within the Erasmus+ project Out-
AdvEd, which connects six European institutions in a joint effort to promote holistic learner
development through OAE. Based on a rapid review of 19 empirical and review studies published
since 2010, the article examines the benefits, pedagogical strategies, and curricular implications
of integrating OAE into physical education. The analysis is guided by two theoretical
frameworks: the OECD model of social and emotional competencies and a four-dimensional
curriculum structure focusing on goals, content, methods and classroom management. The findings indicate that OAE can effectively foster SEL-related competencies such as emotional regulation, collaboration, leadership and resilience, provided that implementation is supported by clear objectives, experiential methods and inclusive facilitation. The article concludes with a proposed model for integrating OAE into physical education and teacher education, along with practical recommendations for curriculum development and educational policy.