Sustainability and outdoor education
Azores Mission: How to teach to preserve life on the planet
6 Days
Neuza
This course has been created for teachers who want to teach others about life on the planet and who we can still preserve it. Also nature and sustainability will be together with us this week, during indoor and outdoor learning practices.
The participants will start the journey in one of the most beautiful places in the world - São Miguel Island on the archipelago of the Azores. This archipelago it's formed by 9 volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and has recently received Silver status of international certification as a first archipelago sustainable destination in the world.
Teaching how to preserve life on the planet it's very important in the present, because we need all the forms of life together for us to live. To learn this, we are going to do some experiences alone, in groups with cooperation, sharing knowledge, fun and respect. We are also going to be in contact with wildlife, nature and people to observe, and understand the best points to preserve nature/life.
Participants will leave the course full of knowledge on how to make the learning process easier and more interesting based on the factors of mindfulness and positive education skills about preserving nature and life, in different places and times.
Learning Outcomes
Participants to the course will learn to:
Learning ways to preserve nature, ecosystem and planet
Instructing how to teach students, community and also family, to improve the idea of protecting the planet
Including dynamics teaching forms
Creating innovative outdoor teaching activities that promote green action
Inventing new techniques to preserve planet
Introducing new strategies in the school areas
Intercultural competences and enhanced cultural awareness
Programme
Azores Mission: How to teach to preserve life on the planet
Day 1
Introduction of the course and the participants
Ice break group energy with yoga
Setting goals for participants
Presentations of the participant's schools
Discussion and sharing experiences about group dynamics
Approaches to outdoor education: fear-based/risk discourse vs positive approach
Reflection - Planet in the next 20 years
Day 2
Guided visit to Caldeira das Furnas and outdoor education about climate change
Developing spontaneity, intuition and active listening
Exercise in pairs: Eye-contact and expressing emotions
Touching the wild environment by planting a tree and also doing a small walk trail around a lake (seen the traditional "Cozido das Furnas")
Small approach to the Biology area and how this can help sustainability/preservation (visit a interpretation center)
Visit Terra Nostra Garden, learning about flora and fauna
Reflection - How can I use outdoor learning and observation techniques in my work?
Day 3
Guided visit tour to Serra da Tronqueira and outdoor education about preserving wild flora and fauna
Visit Centro do Priolo and also Parque da Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Developing spontaneity, intuition and active listening during the day
Touching and observing the wild environment around Centro do Priolo
Reflection - How can I use outdoor preserving learning in my school?
Day 4
Guided visit tour to Sete Cidades and outdoor education about preserving wild nature
Pedestrian circuit of the “7 Cidades”/”Lagoas das 7 Cidades” (Walk tour)
Developing spontaneity, intuition and active listening during the walk
Exercise in pairs and alone in a middle of the florest
Touching and observing the wild environment
Reflection - How can I apply experiential and active learning methodologies?
Day 5
Whale and dolphin watching
Developing considerations about wildlife and conservation
Learning efficient ways to teach students, community and also family
Sharing experiences of outdoor education
Reflection - What can we do more to preserve wildlife?
Day 6
Outdoor Education “activity in the city of Ponta Delgada”, which works on various areas of knowledge: STEAM; HISTORY and NARRATIVE; PROBLEM SOLVING AND CIVIC COMPETENCE;
Summary of key learning points
Open discussion on possible future collaborations and planning follow up activities
Final course evaluation and feedback
Validation of learning outcomes and handling certificates
Materials, digital tools & other learning resources
Course participants will receive training and engage in exercises designed to develop their skills as trainers. The provision of additional materials or resources will be determined based on the course structure and the instructor’s approach to meeting the learning objectives
Course package content:
Services and activities included in the course package are those described above. Please note that accommodation, transport, and meals are not provided.
Cancellation & changes:
Common sense prevails when it comes to cancellations, which are analyzed on a case-by-case basis.