Courses

This course is designed to equip educators with outdoor education strategies and teach them how to strengthen the connection between students and nature. Nature-based learning enhances both the physical and mental development of students. In line with the 2021-2027 Erasmus+ Programme, the course promotes environmental awareness and sustainability by incorporating nature into the learning process.
Participants will learn to design and implement nature-based learning activities that foster sustainability and environmentally friendly teaching strategies. The course also explores how outdoor education contributes to students’ social, emotional, and cognitive development by engaging them in meaningful interactions with nature.

The course adopts an activity-based, hands-on, and nature-interactive approach. Educators will engage in outdoor activities that foster environmental awareness and learn how to integrate nature into classroom practices through project-based learning. Sustainability principles will guide the design of outdoor activities, and participants will leave with strategies that can be easily applied in their own schools.
Additionally, participants will use digital tools to raise awareness about nature and promote sustainable lifestyles through projects.

• Teach educators outdoor education strategies and how to integrate these into their teaching.
• Promote nature-based learning to increase environmental awareness and foster sustainable life skills.
• Contribute to students’ social and emotional development through sustainability and environmentally friendly education practices.
• Encourage educators to use outdoor activities to inspire learning.

• Participants will be able to implement outdoor education activities in their classrooms and encourage students to reconnect with nature.
• Participants will develop lessons and activities that promote environmental awareness.
• Participants will design sustainability-based projects to teach students how to live in harmony with nature.
• Participants will create educational models that support students’ social, emotional, and cognitive development through nature-based learning.

Day 1: Introduction to Outdoor Education

• Icebreaker Activity: “Thoughts About Nature” – Participants will share their thoughts on nature and outdoor education to begin the course.
• What is Outdoor Education? – The definition of outdoor education, its role in education, and its impact on students.
• Education in Nature: Key Principles – Educators will learn how to integrate nature into the classroom and create nature-based learning activities for students.
• Project Simulation: Planning Outdoor Education Activities – Participants will plan outdoor activities and discuss how to apply them in their schools.

Day 2: Nature and Sustainability

• Warm-up Activity: “Exploring Nature” – Participants will explore natural elements in the environment and discuss ways to introduce students to nature.
• Incorporating Nature into Education – How to implement nature-based learning and teach students to connect with nature.
• Sustainability and Environmental Awareness – How to integrate sustainability principles and eco-friendly practices into education.
• Group Work and Project Development – Participants will design activities and projects that promote sustainability in nature.

Day 3: Environmentally Friendly Education Strategies

• Warm-up Activity: “Interacting with Nature” – Participants will engage in small activities that connect with nature and develop strategies to implement them in classrooms.
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking in Nature – How to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through outdoor education.
• Environmentally Friendly Tools and Digital Applications – Using digital tools like Padlet and Google Classroom to promote environmental awareness and develop sustainability projects.
• Project Presentations and Feedback

Day 4: Nature-Based Learning for Social and Emotional Development

• The Role of Outdoor Education in Social and Emotional Development – How connecting with nature contributes to students’ social and emotional development.
• Developing Creativity Through Nature-Based Activities – How nature-related activities can inspire creativity in students.
• Group Project Presentations and Feedback – Participants will present their nature-based projects and receive feedback.

Day 5: Course Evaluation and Certification Ceremony

• Course Evaluation – Participants will reflect on their learning from the course and discuss collaboration opportunities.
• Collaboration on Future Sustainability Projects – Participants will evaluate opportunities for collaboration on future sustainability and environmental education projects.
• Certification Ceremony and Course Cake Cutting
• Cultural Excursion Support

• Participants will receive their certificates.
• Participants will provide a general evaluation of the course and complete the event survey.
• Participants will receive course materials, videos, photos, and PDF documents in both digital and print formats.

Follow-up and Support

After the course, participants will be provided with digital and printed materials. An email group will be created to facilitate ongoing collaboration and the sharing of ideas related to outdoor education and sustainability.

*Please note that course activities and content may vary depending on participants’ preferences and the instructor leading the session. Any changes to the course are at the discretion of the instructor. If there is a specific topic you would like to include in the course content, please let us know in advance.