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Learning Outside the Classroom in Finland

Mobility report on the five-day course in Helsinki

Before mobility started, the hosting organisation ensured:

Detailed course program

The Waklet application, where you can find all the materials and information related to the training

The course was attended by twenty participants from seven countries (Italy, Cyprus, Portugal, France, Romania, Croatia, and Serbia).

During the first day, the participants presented their schools and the education systems of their countries in PowerPoint.

On the second day of the training, principles, benefits, and the Finnish approach to learning outside the classroom were presented. A "Walk around Helsinki" was also organized for the participants that day. On the second day, the link between modern technology (EdTeh) and nature was presented to the participants, i.e., how to use technology/applications to make lessons in nature instructive and interesting for students.

On the third day, we visited the City Library "Oodi" in Helsinki. It was also a lesson of learning 'outside the classroom'. In the library, we were divided into five groups. One of the members installed the application 'Play Seppo' on his/her mobile phone, the game was called 'Wonders of Oodi'. The game consisted of tasks that participants had to complete within two hours and had an educated character: we found out how many books ‘Oodi’ has ​​in different languages, when and what the library was built from, which sectors exist in it, workshops... Then we created ideas ('Brainstorming') about what can be done in library workshops, and after that, we made a 'Mind Map' from those same ideas and presented it to others. That day we also visited the City Museum. During the museum tour, we were introduced to the history of Finland from its beginnings to the modern ages.

On the fourth day, we visited an island not far from Helsinki, Mustikkamaa (Blueberry Island). we talked about different activities that can be carried out in nature, which can enrich the school lesson (from physical to mental exercises). We were also shown the importance of self-care, and wellbeing through physical exercises and breathing exercises. The trainer also presented us with several games that you can use to make lessons in nature even more interesting and educational

On the last day, we discussed the pedagogical approach, planning and organizing lessons in nature. We talked about how, in what way, and what needs to be done so that the lesson in nature could be realized. We were also introduced to the 'research phenomenon' method, which is used in the Finnish education system. In the end, we talked about ways to spread new ideas and methodologies.

During mobility, the participant attended a course and gained insight into the basics of the Finnish education system, the importance and necessity of spending time in nature, and how to combine education and nature most effectively. Contacts were established with other teachers from the EU for future cooperation and experiences.

The outcomes of the mobility include understanding outdoor learning and its benefits; developing the required knowledge and skills for outdoor education, getting to know different outdoor education methods, experiencing and practicing practical outdoor activities, and designing, planning, and sharing outdoor education activities.

Attachments
Oodi-untypical library in Helsinki; modern architecture.
Beach on Mustikkamaa.
Likeme (1)

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