“Outdoor education – post-pandemic answer for the challenges of online teaching and learning”

​During the pandemic time we, as a teachers and educators as well as our learners had discovered positive aspects of online educations but also a great need of an outdoor teaching and learning. Outdoor education helps us and our students to gain an appreciation for the natural world and thanks to it keep an inner harmony. What is more we become in tune with our surroundings and can bring theoretical knowledge obtained in the classroom into real life through application it the natural environment, on school sites, in local parks as well as in urban settings. Integrating outdoor with indoor learning has a great potential and importance in the process of development and is one of emerging trends in education in Europe.

---

The new edition of the course “Outdoor Education courses: a new way of teaching and learning” took place in Tenerife from 13/02/2022 to 19/02/2022. The participants came from the Katholiek Onderwijs Vlaanderenall in Belgium with Bonte Arnout, De Rijck Paula, De Rijck Kimberly, Joris Thibo, Lambrechts Liesbeth Pierre J, Lanzo Tiziana, Lenssen Ezra, Van Daele Ingrid, Yzermans Myriam, Dedeurwaerder Johan Willem, Devolder Annelies, Koroknai Ann, Malfait Fabienne, Samoy Evie, Van Boxstael Els Christiaan, Wallyn Annelore.

On the first day, participants had the chance to discuss their fears, contributions and expectations from the course, although some of them came without fears! They also learnt about some physical and a cognitive benefits of Outdoor Education.

​​Thereafter, we went to a local park, where the teachers could experience adventure education in the nature. This morning was mainly dedicated to games played in groups that promoted inclusion and cooperation. Participants were able to put in practice the theoretical approach through the activities in order to use them with their students in the educational process.

---

​During the next part of the course we talked about the 10 principles of Kurt Hahn and his approach
to experiential learning and outdoor education. Participants were asked to find all these information during a treasure hunt around the training facilities. It was a great example of learning through non formal education without going too far from the classroom.

The next key step of the course was the topic of outdoor learning in urban settings. Teachers used a digital tool to complete some missions and challenges in the center of Bologna. Moreover, they learnt how to design, plan and deliver inspirational outdoor activities. We could share our own experiences and reflections about the topic.

​During the whole week, we embrace collaboratively working methods that foster mutual learning and cooperation. About half of the training course took place in the nature giving the possibility to the participants to have a first-hand experience of outdoor learning and to practice together with fellow teachers and education staff and with the support of the trainers.

---

Last but not least, we could rediscover the power of outdoor learning and teaching after the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the course we could get to know more useful tools and appreciate being in nature as a crucial element of humankind development. After a difficult experience of the lockdown in previous years it was an outstanding refreshment of the educational methods and mission.

Discover more about this course in: https://www.erasmustrainingcourses.com/outdoor-education.html​