When nature becomes your classroom: discover the benefits of Outdoor Learning

Since ancient times, human beings have benefited immensely from being in contact with the outdoors. Whether it's the tranquility of a forest or the vibrancy of an urban park, nature has a profound effect on our cognitive, behavioral, and emotional development. Today, educators are rediscovering the benefits of outdoor education, a teaching approach that not only enhances the quality of education but also raises awareness about environmental conservation amidst the growing threat of climate change.

​The new edition of the course “Outdoor education: a new way of teaching and learning” took place in Bologna from 26/05/2024 - 01/06/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with several Spanish people coming from different institutions such as Leandro from INSTITUTO EDUCACIÓN SECUNDARIA ÁNGEL, Beatriz and Manuela from CEIP LA GALIA and María José and Isabel from CEIP N49. Other participants included Sarah, Juleanne and Ennio from St. Thomas More College in Malta, Eva-Britt from Sundlergymnasiet and Frida and Rima from Turebergsskolan, both in Sweden and Alina, Renata, Anja and Barbara from ZAKĄTEK PRZEDSZKOLAKA in Poland.

​Outdoor education isn't limited to natural settings like forests and meadows. Urban environments also offer rich opportunities for learning. During the course the participants had the opportunity to explore outdoor learning both in a local park and in the city centre. This approach highlighted how urban settings can be as enriching as natural ones for outdoor learning and helps teachers overcome some of the bureaucratic issues that prevent them to implement outdoor activities in their schools.
The course emphasized hands-on experiences, where participants tested various educational games and activities. During the course, participants engaged in activities that helped them teach subjects such as math, geography, history, physical education, and language by utilizing their surroundings. This practical approach was highly appreciated, inspiring teachers to not only share these activities but also to create their own. The concept of Non-Formal Education (NFE) was also explored. NFE focuses on the concrete experiences of students, ensuring that they relate new knowledge to their lives and apply it effectively. This pedagogical approach is central to many outdoor activities.

​One of the course highlights was the design of custom outdoor lessons tailored to each participant's target group. By the end of the course, each teacher had planned a detailed outdoor lesson, taking into account their pupils' ages, skill levels, and educational goals. These lessons were then presented to peers for feedback, ensuring they were well-rounded and effective.

This week-long course was a true testament to the efficacy of experiential outdoor learning. Through hands-on activities, participants experienced firsthand what outdoor education looks like and gained the knowledge needed to implement it with their students. They discovered a wide range of replicable activities, proving that learning extends far beyond the classroom walls.

​Discover more about this course  here.