The aim of the present study is to advocate the use of a participatory action research programme, the Formative Scaffolding Programme (FSP), in mathematics. The FSP’s main structure is presented as well as an implementation of a class intervention, with the aim of exploring the FSP test cycle’s virtues in a social science class in a Swedish upper-secondary school. The motivations for the FSP’s development were to enhance students’ awareness of their mathematical proficiency, alter the level and strength of their self-efficacy, foster self-regulated learning (SRL), reduce and prevent mathematics-related anxiety, and visualise the learning process in mathematics. The primary findings of the study were there was a resemblance between the FSP setting and SRL phases, and that participation in the test cycle altered the level and strength of students’ self-efficacy and fostered self-regulation in a mathematics test situation. The benefits of working in a formative scaffolding manner indicate that it is worth implementing the FSP on a larger scale. The study is an example of how students can engage in transforming classroom practice and be radical agents of change. 

The aim of this study was to explore lower secondary school students’ experiences of using the school grounds as a learning environment. School grounds were used on a regular basis during two to three years, mainly in mathematics and German as a third language. Fourteen students were interviewed about their experiences. The way outdoor learning was implemented facilitated student-centred and cooperative learning, which was considered positive in terms of academic as well as emotional dimensions. Perceptions regarding on-task orientation were more varied, and included experiences of increased as well as decreased on-task orientation. Teachers’ control could be poorer outdoors, resulting in a negative influence on on-task orientation. This study contributes to previous research on outdoor learning by focusing on regular school-based outdoor learning in a secondary school context.

This paper reports on a longitudinal study investigating lower secondary students experiences of outdoor learning in mathematics on a regular basis and its impact on self-regulation skills and mathematics proficiency. The results are presented in form of a case: the case of John. The findings emphasise the positive outcomes of a closer connection between school and out-of-school experiences indicating reduced mathematics related stress and anxiety, changed self-concept, and enhanced mathematical proficiency.