Education in Nature and Outdoor Pedagogy (5cr)

Objective

Theoretical competence:
After this course, you will be able to
• justify the theoretical foundations of nature education and outdoor education and their significance for learning and overall well-being.
• identify the pedagogical principles of outdoor play and experiential learning
• justify the dynamics of grouping, community and teamwork and their role in learning and education.
• identify the principles of sustainable development in nature education
• identify different natural environments as learning environments

Skilled competence:
After this course, you will be able to
• plan and implement nature education and outdoor teaching for different target groups using experiential learning methods.
• use outdoor play as a pedagogical method to develop different skills and knowledge.
• guide exercises in nature that support teamwork and group formation and justify their impact on group dynamics.
• utilize natural environments as versatile learning environments and apply different teaching methods in a way that is appropriate to the context.
• reflect on their own activities and develop their guidance skills from the perspective of outdoor teaching and pedagogy.
• evaluate the suitability of different nature-based learning environments in different teaching situations.
• apply the principles of sustainable development in nature education.

Attitudinal competence
During this course
• you will identify, assess and develop a further plan to develop your competence.
• you will follow the instructions and assignments given in the course and the ethical guidelines of Lapland University of Applied Sciences.

Content

Content:
• Nature education; outdoor play and pedagogy
• Team building, cohesion
• Experimental learning

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Approved:

Theoretical competence
You justify the theoretical starting points of nature education and outdoor education and their significance for learning and holistic well-being.
You identify and describe the pedagogical principles of outdoor play and experiential learning and their significance in learning.
You justify the significance of group dynamics, community and teamwork in education and learning.
You describe the principles of sustainable development and their role in nature education.

Skilled competence
You plan and implement nature education and outdoor education entities for different target groups using experiential learning methods.
You utilize outdoor play as a goal-oriented pedagogical method.
You guide exercises in nature that support group formation and teamwork and justify their effects on group dynamics.
You apply natural environments as appropriate learning environments using teaching methods appropriate to the situation.
You reflect on your own activities and identify development needs in your guidance skills.
You evaluate the suitability of nature-based learning environments in different teaching situations.
You apply the principles of sustainable development in practical activities.
The student demonstrates their planning, guidance and evaluation skills through practical tasks. The implementations are pedagogically justified, suitable for the target group and ecologically responsible.

Attitudinal competence
You identify the strengths and areas for development of your own competence and draw up a realistic plan for further study.
You act according to instructions, actively participate in the course and follow the ethical guidelines of Lapland University of Applied Sciences.
You are committed to cooperation and joint work, demonstrating a professional and constructive attitude in the learning environment.
The student demonstrates responsibility, commitment and a desire to develop. All assignments are returned on time, and the instructions and rules given are followed consistently.