Bringing nature into the classroom: integrating outdoor learning in education

Since prehistoric times, contact with the outdoors has significantly influenced cognitive, behavioral, and emotional development in humans. Even today, experiences like walking in nature or observing natural and urban landscapes can inspire, challenge, and influence us. Outdoor education emerges as a dynamic teaching method that addresses two critical issues of modern society: delivering high-quality education and fostering awareness about the urgent need to protect our planet amid the growing challenges of climate change.
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The new edition of the course “Outdoor education: a new way of teaching and learning” took place in Tenerife from 27/10/2024 to 02/11/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Julia and Benjamin from Prismaschule Langenfeld in Germany, Sarolta from Szent László ÁMK in Hungary, Nils from Hans Alfred Keller-Schule Siegburg in Germany, Yan from Kreativitätsgrundschule Friedrichshain in Germany. 

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​Beginning with the definition of Outdoor Education, we examined various methods to connect students with the outdoors, which doesn’t always mean venturing into nature or forests. In fact, a portion of the training focused on Urban Outdoor Education within city environments. Participants explored how to teach subjects such as science, math, music, art, and language by engaging in activities designed to draw attention to their urban surroundings.

Another part of the course concentrated on utilizing various tools in natural settings, specifically in local parks. The games and activities practiced were highly appreciated and inspired participants not only to share these experiences with the group but also to design their own unique outdoor activities.
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Participants also delved into the principles of Non-Formal Education (NFE), a pedagogical approach that encompasses many outdoor activities. This method places the learners' concrete experiences at the heart of the learning process, emphasizing the importance of engaging in activities or tasks. By guiding students through the full learning cycle and asking thoughtful, reflective questions, they can connect newly acquired knowledge to their own lives and apply it effectively.

The final part of the course focused on designing tailored outdoor experiences for each participant’s target group. After studying the principles of the outdoor learning approach, exploring the 10 rules of Kurt Hahn and their deeper meanings, and engaging with a variety of urban and natural activities, participants spent the last day creating outdoor lessons specific to the subjects they teach. Considering the age and skill levels of their students, as well as the topics they aimed to address, each teacher carefully planned their session in detail, presented it to the group, and received constructive feedback for improvement. This week served as a powerful demonstration of the effectiveness of experiential outdoor learning. Through our hands-on approach, participants gained firsthand experience of what an outdoor education activity entails and acquired the tools and confidence to implement it in their own classrooms.
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Throughout the course, participants explored a wide range of activities and games they can replicate with their students, demonstrating that learning extends far beyond the walls of a classroom!

Discover more about this course  here