Learning Outside the Classroom in Finland

Table of Contents

Description

In Finland, we believe that learning happens everywhere: you can capture it in-and-outside the classroom. Our principle is: every place is a place to learn!

Accordingly, the Finnish curriculum encourages schools to get out of the classroom and visit libraries and museums. Using nature as a learning environment has also a strong emphasis in Finnish Education.

Course participants will learn to plan and implement learning outside the classroom in a meaningful, fun, and safe way. They will learn about the key principles and benefits of outdoor learning.

Learning outside gives students a real-life learning experience, which is at the core of deep learning. It provides a challenging, exciting, and different experience for students compared to conventional teaching!

Learning outside also improves student engagement, enhances motivation and enthusiasm, and promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Furthermore, it brings health and well-being benefits: it increases students’ confidence, and resilience, and advances students’ coping, social skills, interaction in the group, and classroom behavior.

Teachers will also experience the power of outdoor education by themselves! They will participate in outdoor learning through hands-on activities and learning by doing.

By the end of this course, participants will have experienced and practiced different outdoor learning methods and activities. Moreover, they will be able to explain these pedagogies to their colleagues and bring a concrete plan to act for change in their school.

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:  

  • Understand outdoor learning and its benefits;
  • Develop required knowledge and skills for outdoor education;
  • Get to know different outdoor education methods;
  • Experience and practice practical outdoor activities;
  • Design, plan and share outdoor education activities.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course

  • Course introduction;
  • Team-building activities;
  • Presentations of the participants’ schools;
  • Key principles and benefits of outdoor learning.

Day 2 – Places outside the school for learning

  • Use of public places for learning;
  • Visit the award-winning central library of Helsinki, Oodi, and other public places;
  • Outdoor Activity:
    • Helsinki: Visit to Helsinki city museum;
    • Oulu: Visit to Oulu City Library and Northern Osttrobothnia Museum.

Day 3 – Well-being in nature

  • Teaching about emotions in nature;
  • Outdoor Activity: Mindfulness practices in nature.

Day 4 – Teaching outdoors in the urban area

  • Pedagogical outdoor games;
  • The use of Apps for teaching in the urban setting;
  • Experience and practice outdoor activities in the urban area.

Day 5 – Collaborative work

  • Practical work: designing and planning outdoor activities;
  • Security and safety plan;
  • Sharing best practices;
  • Outdoor Activity: dialogue walk.

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.

Confirmed Sessions

LocationStarting DateStatusEnrol
Helsinki6 November 2023ConfirmedBook »
Helsinki1 April 2024ConfirmedBook »
Helsinki6 May 2024ConfirmedBook »

All Available Dates

= confirmed date

Helsinki

Price*: 580€

Oulu

Price*: 580€

Reviews about this course

Iria Agustí Gràciafrom Spain
5 stars

The visit to the library was a highlight of the course, as it provided a unique setting for group activities. It was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with fellow participants and leverage the resources available in the library, resulting in engaging and interactive group projects.

Andrés Jiménezfrom Spain
5 stars

The combination of visiting the library and participating in group activities created a dynamic and immersive learning experience. It not only expanded our knowledge but also sparked creativity and encouraged active engagement. Overall, it was a memorable and valuable experience that demonstrated the significance of libraries in education and provided a platform for meaningful interactions among participants.

Breogán Gómez Requejofrom Spain
5 stars

The visit to Oodi was truly outstanding, offering a multitude of opportunities and resources that left a lasting impression. Oodi's innovative and contemporary approach to library services provided a unique and enriching experience. The state-of-the-art facilities, extensive collection, and cutting-edge technology showcased Oodi's commitment to fostering learning, creativity, and community engagement.

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