Outdoor Learning as a Non-Formal education methodology

Different studies have proven that being in contact with the outdoors has a considerable positive impact on the cognitive, behavioural, and emotional development of human beings. From prehistory and even today, many people find themselves inspired, frightened, or influenced by walking in nature or observing natural and urban landscapes. Outdoor education is an innovative teaching method that faces two critical issues in contemporary society: delivering enduring, high-quality education and fostering awareness about the necessity of protecting our planet from the significant threat of climate change.

The new edition of the course “Outdoor education: a new way of teaching and learning” took place in Palermo from 05/05/2024 to 11/05/2024. The participants came from all over Europe, with Seán Coakley, Aoife O'Brien, Jonathon Rahmoune, Tracy O'Driscoll and Jelena Belan from Beaumont Boys School, Ireland; Carolin Speyerer from Realschule plus und Fachoberschule Dahn in Germany; participants coming from Belgium, Martin Chrystelle and Piffert Annick from Institut de la Providence Champion Belgique; Alicia Flores Gálvez coming from CPEBPA Jose María Iribarren, Spain; Mar Martín Navarro from INSTITUT FRANCESC FERRER I GUÀRDIA, also in Spain; and Martti Lukka, from Juankosken lukio, Finland. ​

We focused on Urban Outdoor Education, demonstrating that teachers can conduct their subjects in outdoor spaces near the school. Participants discovered that Outdoor Education doesn't always require being in nature or forests. They learned to teach subjects like science, maths, literature, art, and language by engaging in activities that directed their attention to their surroundings. Through this, they explored the definition of Outdoor Education and its diverse applications.

​Teachers were actively involved in creating their own games and participated in these activities themselves in local parks and beaches. All the tested games and activities were well-received and inspired the participants to develop their own outdoor activities. Teachers were thrilled to learn new games and non-formal activities that could be shown to their students.

Participants also learned about Non-Formal Education (NFE), which involves many outdoor activities. In this approach, the focus is on the real experiences students have during activities. By guiding students through the process and asking them feedback, they can apply what they learn to their own lives and use it in practical ways.

In the final part of the course, each participant developed a custom outdoor experience tailored to their target group. After learning about the principles of outdoor learning, teachers created their own map of an outdoor space for a game, participants explored various urban and natural activities. This hands-on approach showcased the effectiveness of experiential outdoor learning, giving participants a practical understanding of outdoor education. Throughout the course, participants also discovered how tools and online apps can enhance non-formal education. ​

This week exemplified the versatility of outdoor learning, demonstrating that learning extends beyond the classroom.

​Discover more about this course here.