Outdoor Odyssey: Empowering environmental change through Education for Sustainable Development in Outdoor Settings
Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development using the outdoors and real-world experiences is nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious and responsible citizens who are equipped to address the complex challenges facing our planet today. It empowers individuals to become advocates for a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between nature, economy, and society for all.
Description
This Course aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and key competences to confidently lead environmental education and sustainable development programs through the use of outdoor settings as an effective, experiential tool to build a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society. It combines theoretical learning with practical experiences in real-life settings, providing a well-rounded and immersive learning experience. These settings will be natural and/or man-made places of interest (e.g. National Parks, museums, eco-farms, city historic centres, archaeological sites, nature trails, botanic gardens, and the sea coast). The Course will focus on the following:
- Foundations of Environmental Education: Introduction to environmental concepts, sustainability principles, and the importance of outdoor learning and,
- Pedagogy for Outdoor Education: Effective teaching methods, curriculum design, and facilitation techniques for non-formal instruction.
Learning objectives
1. Demonstrate Knowledge of Local Ecosystems: Identify and describe key components of local ecosystems
2. Apply Conservation Principles: Understand and apply conservation techniques to protect and preserve natural habitats and biodiversity
3. Analyse Environmental Issues: Evaluate and analyse contemporary environmental issues, considering their ecological, social, and economic dimensions.
4. Demonstrate Responsible Outdoor Ethics: Practice Leave No Trace principles and other responsible outdoor behaviors to minimise environmental impact
5. Deeper understanding and appreciation of nature: Involve in educational activities that promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature
6. Promote Sustainable Behaviors: Advocate and model sustainable practices in daily life, such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and responsible consumption
7. Collaborate for Environmental Advocacy: Work collaboratively with peers and community towards sustainability.
Methodology & assessment
- Experiential Learning: Emphasise hands-on, experiential activities in real-life settings for active engagement with the environment through observations, experiments, and practical exercises
-Field Trips and Excursions: Organize field trips to relevant outdoor locations for direct interaction with real-world environments.
-Problem-Based Learning: Present participants with real-world environmental challenges and encourage them to collaborate and devise solutions using critical thinking and creativity
-Group Activities: Foster teamwork through group activities, promoting cooperation and shared responsibility
-Environmental Interpretation: Teach effective communication techniques for interpreting ecological concepts and conveying environmental information to diverse audiences
-Reflective Practice: Incorporate regular reflection sessions where participants can discuss their experiences, insights, and personal growth related to the course content.
Materials, digital tools & other learning resources
- Experiencing learning by doing, through first-hand and sensory activities in the forest ecosystem of Troodos Mountain Range.
- Experience various instructional approaches connecting to Environmental Education and the impact of such approaches in education.
Participation in experiential environmental education activities in a bio-farm and a forest ecosystem.
Experience the challenges and impact of using outdoor settings in teaching.
Certification details
The Course provides:
1. Certificate of Attendance
2. Europass or Youthpass Certificate (if requested by the participant)
Pricing, packages and other information
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Price:450Euro
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Course package content:
Course Packages:
BRONZE (basic): 450 euro - Course fees, refreshments, snacks and lunches.
SILVER: 550 euro - basic package + transportation to the Course outdoor venues (not airport, not hotel)
GOLD: 880 euro - basic package + accommodation + breakfast buffet + lunches + transportation from the hotel to the organization premises and outdoor venues.
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Additional information:Description of the services and activities included in the course package (such as accommodation, meals, transport) or available at extra cost.
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Cancellation & changes:
Public Liability insurance provides coverage against the legal liability of the insured person or company with respect to third-party physical injury or property damage.
Professional indemnity insurance covers the cost of compensating clients for loss or damage resulting from negligent services or being misadvised by a business or an individual.
Travel Cancellation Policy:
In case that any participant cannot travel due to illness or force majeure our organization refunds the full amount of any of the Course Training Packages chosen, minus bank transfer charges.
Medical Policy:
The participants are strongly advised to have a valid European Medical Card, which allows them to visit any public hospital, or their own Private Medical Insurance coverage during their stay in Cyprus.
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Additional information:The options and conditions for change and cancellation, and the policy in case of unforeseen circumstances (force majeure).
Additional information
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Language:English
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Target audience ISCED:Early childhood education (ISCED 0)Primary education (ISCED 1)Lower secondary education (ISCED 2)
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Target audience type:TeacherTeacher EducatorNot-for-profit / NGO staff
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Learning time:25 hours or more
Upcoming sessions
Past sessions
Provider
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