Have you ever found it difficult to connect to dry scientific or historical texts? Have you found your mind drifting away when listening to presentations on facts, figures, and numbers? How about your students?
If this is the case, Experiential Learning might be the answer.
This course will introduce participants to the concept and practice of experiential learning taking as a case study the amazing natural history and fascinating cultural heritage of the Canary Islands.
By leaving the classroom and going out there, through fun, outdoor activities, participants will experience the main principles and benefits of Experiential Learning – learning by doing!
Participants will examine the landscape shaped by incredible forces of nature, learn about the unique world of plants and animals, discover places of historical interest, and learn ancient skills that were almost lost to history.
By the end of this course, they will better be able to appreciate the uniqueness of the natural world and rich cultural heritage of these islands, as well as gain insight into how to apply experiential learning to make their teaching more inclusive and fun.
What is included
Unmatched Support: full day chat assistance
Fully Fundable: tailored on Erasmus+ budgets
Flexibility Guaranteed: easy changes with minimal restrictions
360° experience: from coffee breaks to cultural visits
Understand the principles of experiential learning and be able to apply them to their context;
Make academic content more accessible to mixed-ability groups;
Make classes more inclusive and appropriate for students with special needs;
Experience ‘outdoor learning’, using it to make history come alive, and reflect on its potential benefits/challenges;
Appreciate the fascinating natural history and rich cultural heritage of the Canary Islands
Consider how best to prepare for field trips and excursions to make the most of the experience for learners.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Introduction to the course and to experiential learning
Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
Icebreaker activities;
Presentations of the participants’ schools;
Introduction to theories of Experiential Learning Cycle and Multiple Intelligences for enhanced learning.
Day 2 – Life on the coast
Excursion to the coastal nature reserve of Malpaís de Guimar;
Exploration of the volcanic rock formations and geological history: magmatic dikes, coastal caves, lava flows;
Learning and reflecting on local history, myths and legends.
Day 3 – Life in the mountains
Excursion to a mountain village in the Anaga region;
Living history: Investigating regional and Canary history with involving outdoor activities
Exploration of local history and Canary flora, both emblematic and invasive species.
Opportunity to stay on and try typical Canary food and wine in a local restaurant.
Day 4 – Aboriginal people of the Canary Islands
Experiential learning at the Museum of Nature and Archeology (MUNA) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
how to make a visit to a museum more productive and involving;
Investigating the mysterious origins and fascinating culture of the aboriginal people.
Day 5 – The daily life of aboriginal people
Living history: practical activities to explore the daily life of the aboriginal people;
Observing and practising ancient indigenous skills: the Salto de Pastor (Shepard’s Jump), and Silbo Gomero (La Gomera’s whistling language).
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
Excursion and other external cultural activities.
Dates and locations
You can register for any date, even if it's not yet confirmed, especially if you're interested in courses several weeks away. Once we have a few more enrollments, we will confirm the date. If we are unable to confirm it, we will offer you alternative options.
Combine a confirmed date of this course with a confirmed date of another course and easily create a two week course by yourself. Start selecting one confirmed date of this course and see which other courses are confirmed in the same Academy the previous week and the following week.