Study Guide

Objective

You can identify the principles of nature education philosophy and explain the relationship between cognitive and emotional factors and values and attitudes when talking about the relationship with nature. You will understand how to distinguish between different types of relationships with nature and how to implement pedagogical activities that promote a relationship with nature and sustainability. You will be able to act in sustainable ways in culturally diverse international contexts. Evaluate and develop nature-based environments from a sustainability perspective.

Content

A selection of students from all over Europe who are interested in outdoor sports and careers in the natural environment are selected for this course. The aim of this course is to create an understanding of how outdoor educators, instructors and guides can positively influence their clients' relationship with nature/culture. A strong relationship with nature is linked to psychological well-being and a proactive approach to sustainability.
This course will teach you to understand more about your own relationship with nature and give you the ability to apply your knowledge in client work.

Location and time

Online will be in week 21 or 22 + week 24

In-person module is from 2 of June at 9 am until Friday 6 of June in the evening. Norway BØ

Materials

Elonheimo, M. 2002. Eletty luonto ja ymmärretty ympäristö – tutkimus kolmen sukupolven arkielämän luontosuhteista. Pro gradu -tutkielma. Helsingin yliopisto, Limnologian ja ympäristönsuojelun laitos. Hungerford, H. & Volk, T. 1990. Changing learner behaviour through environmental education. The Journal of Environmental Education 21(3). Pietarinen, J. 1987. Ihminen ja metsä: neljä perusasennetta. Silva Fennica (21)4: 323-331. Borg, P.(toim.) 2012. Polkuja Metsään.

Teaching methods

Online studies
Intensive week in Norway 2.-6.6.2025 (not including travelling)
Creating webinar

International connections

This is Erasmus+ Blended intensive program and it is organized together with USN, Lapinamk, Comenius Univ, PXL and Creps

Further information

A degree student attending the University of Lapland can register free of charge for LUC studies offered by the Lapland University of Applied Sciences, if the studies can be linked to their own degree. Enrollment takes place through: https://hakeutuminen-amk.peppi4.lapit.csc.fi/web/hakijan-tyopoyta/#4501

All students must submit a motivational video in english (max 5 minutes) to Tommi.Haapakangas@lapinamk.fi before 1.2.2025

Video must contain following topics.

1. My Professional Future Horizon After the BIP
2. My Motivation


Selection Criteria for Participation in the Course (max 14 points):

1. Demonstrated Interest in Professional Development (3 points)
- Evidence of commitment to enhancing skills relevant to an international and multicultural work environment.
- Examples of how the course aligns with your career aspirations and long-term goals.
- Also previous Experience and Achievements.

2. Proven experience working collaboratively in diverse teams or international settings. (2 points)
- Description of past projects or roles where you successfully applied skills relevant to the course content.
- Ability to Work in Multicultural Environments

3. Enthusiasm and ability to engage with students and professionals from various cultural backgrounds. (2 points)
- Openness to new perspectives and demonstrated skills in cross-cultural communication.
- Motivation and Contribution

4. Clear explanation of why you are motivated to join the course and how you plan to contribute. (2 points)
- Specific examples of what you hope to bring to the team and how the course will benefit your growth.
- Commitment to Applying Learned Skills

5. Description of how you intend to use: (3 points)
- The knowledge and experiences gained from the course in your future career.
- Plans for implementing the skills in real-world situations or within your professional field.

6. 60 credits completed (1 point)

7. Sufficient English language skill (1 point)

In case of the draw universe will decide participants.

Evaluation scale

Approved/Rejected

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Fail/Approved
Student recognises some elements of nature education philosophy but is not able to explain the connection of the different elements and their impact on the development of a nature relationship. Student is able to list different nature relationships but is not able to apply this knowledge during the implementation of nature activities. Student can explain the principles of nature education philosophy and the connections of different factors in the development of nature relationships. Student is able to find solutions for various nature activity needs of various forms and implement activities accordingly.
Study unit is assessed on the grading scale of Fail -Approved. Criteria for approved grade: • Student has successfully completed all the assignments in the Moodle platform. • Student has participated actively in the contact days and developed his/her competences further. • Successful completion of the Moodle

Assessment methods and criteria

Fail/Approved
Student recognises some elements of nature education philosophy but is not able to explain the connection of the different elements and their impact on the development of a nature relationship.
Student is able to list different nature relationships but is not able to apply this knowledge during the implementation of nature activities. Student can explain the principles of nature education philosophy and the connections of different factors in the development of nature relationships.
Student is able to find solutions for various nature activity needs of various forms and implement activities accordingly.

Study unit is assessed on the grading scale of Fail -Approved. Criteria for approved grade: • Student has successfully completed all the assignments in the Moodle platform.
• Student has participated actively in the contact days and developed his/her competences further.
• students has participate and delivered his/her contribution to ending webinar.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Fail/Approved
Student recognises some elements of nature education philosophy but is not able to explain the connection of the different elements and their impact on the development of a nature relationship.
Student is able to list different nature relationships but is not able to apply this knowledge during the implementation of nature activities. Student can explain the principles of nature education philosophy and the connections of different factors in the development of nature relationships.
Student is able to find solutions for various nature activity needs of various forms and implement activities accordingly.

Study unit is assessed on the grading scale of Fail -Approved. Criteria for approved grade: • Student has successfully completed all the assignments in the Moodle platform.
• Student has participated actively in the contact days and developed his/her competences further.
• students has participate and delivered his/her contribution to ending webinar.

Further information

Student will need his personal camping gears and clothing. Tents and cookers are provided by school.

The learning materal of the study unit is in English. The course can be completed in English.