Associazione Eduimpact Italy

Topic / Theme

Using outdoor environments as dynamic learning spaces to enhance engagement, wellbeing, environmental awareness and experiential learning. The course supports educators in designing meaningful outdoor activities that connect curriculum content with real-life contexts and promote active participation for all learners.

Sending partners

Educational organisations involved in formal, non-formal and informal learning: kindergartens, schools, VET providers, adult education centres, training organisations, resource centres, NGOs and other institutions active in the education and adult learning field, established in Erasmus+ programme countries.

Participants

20–25 adults involved in education.

Course fee

According to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide: 80 EUR per participant per training day, including course preparation, training delivery, training materials, organisational and administrative costs, and 24-hour emergency support during the mobility.

Trainers

A multinational team of trainers from Portugal, Romania, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Poland, experienced in Erasmus+ training and international education, including collaboration with SALTO and training activities delivered in more than 15 European countries.

Languages used

Working language: English.
Training materials are provided in English. Upon request, support or materials may be available in Spanish or French, depending on the group composition.

Profile of the participants

The course is designed for teachers, school staff and adult trainers working in the sending organisation who are interested in using outdoor learning to increase student engagement and learning effectiveness.

Participants:

  • Work with learners of different ages, abilities or backgrounds
  • May have previous experience or be beginners in outdoor education
  • Are interested in experiential, place-based and active learning approaches
  • Are willing to participate in outdoor activities, reflection and collaborative design
  • Are open to intercultural learning and exchange of practices
  • Are motivated to implement outdoor learning strategies and to engage in preparatory and follow-up activities
  • Aim to strengthen the European dimension of their institution through innovative and learner-centred practices

Objectives

  • Understand the pedagogical value of outdoor and experiential learning
  • Apply experiential learning principles (experience, reflection, transfer)
  • Design outdoor activities that support curriculum goals and key competences
  • Increase student motivation, wellbeing and collaboration through nature-based learning
  • Adapt outdoor learning for inclusive and diverse groups
  • Integrate environmental awareness and local context into teaching
  • Develop an implementation plan for outdoor learning in participants’ institutions

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Plan and facilitate structured outdoor learning experiences
  • Use observation, inquiry and exploration as learning tools
  • Apply experiential learning cycles to deepen understanding
  • Design inclusive outdoor activities adapted to different learners
  • Integrate cross-curricular learning in outdoor settings
  • Manage basic safety, organisation and risk awareness for outdoor sessions
  • Develop and implement an outdoor learning action plan
  • Reflect on the impact of outdoor learning on engagement, wellbeing and learning outcomes

Day 1 – Foundations of outdoor learning

  • Introductions, expectations and outdoor icebreakers
  • Benefits of learning beyond the classroom
  • Experiential learning cycle: experience, reflection, application
  • Safety, organisation and risk awareness
  • Reflection: opportunities and barriers in participants’ contexts

Day 2 – Exploring the local environment

  • Nature observation and sensory learning activities
  • Place-based learning: connecting curriculum to local spaces
  • Inquiry and field investigation tasks
  • Reflection tools: learning journals, group debrief
  • Designing a short outdoor exploration activity

Day 3 – Collaboration and problem-solving outdoors

  • Team challenges and cooperative outdoor tasks
  • Developing communication, leadership and responsibility
  • Inclusive participation strategies for mixed-ability groups
  • Reflection on group dynamics
  • Adapting activities for different age groups

Day 4 – Creative and cross-curricular outdoor learning

  • Outdoor learning across subjects (science, language, maths, arts, wellbeing)
  • Land art, storytelling, movement and creative expression outdoors
  • Low-cost materials and flexible activity design
  • Group work: developing an inclusive outdoor lesson or project
  • Peer feedback

Day 5 – Implementation and sustainability

  • Presentation of group projects and action plans
  • Integrating outdoor learning into school routines and projects
  • Evaluating impact on student engagement and learning
  • Identifying community resources and partnerships
  • Course evaluation, certification and closing reflection