Sustainability and outdoor education
Azores outdoor: Active Citizenship, Environmental Sustainability, Leadership, and Positive Schooling
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, including environmental, sustainability and positive school activities. This week we will be in 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 offers an immersive experience that equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a positive force for change.
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. We will move beyond simply being a resident and transforming into an involved member of your community. Another important point is the positive school will focus on fostering a growth mindset, collaboration, and well-being, creating an ideal environment for exploration and personal development.
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. Also we will learn about leadership skills in a dynamic and action-oriented setting.
Learning Outcomes
Participants to the course will learn to:
Learning how to teach students, community and also family, to improve the idea of sustainability
Including dynamics teaching forms
Creating innovative outdoor teaching activities that promote green action
Developing critical thinking skills to analyze information, identify problems, and brainstorm solutions
Building confidence in your leadership abilities through project-based learning and group activities
Learning techniques for managing stress, building resilience, and staying present in the moment to optimize learning
Identifying and leveraging your individual strengths to contribute meaningfully to projects and group discussions
Programme
Azores outdoor: Active Citizenship, Environmental Sustainability, Leadership, and Positive Schooling
Day 1 - Active Citizenship - Presentation Group Dynamics and Icebreakers
Introduction of the course and the participants
Ice break group energy
Setting goals for participants
Presentations of the participant's schools
Explain the different ways to participate in active citizenship (volunteering, advocacy, community projects,...)
Create a list of environmental or social issues faced by the Azores to promote a collective action
Reflection - How can we encourage problem-solving and critical thinking skills?
Day 2 - Environmental Sustainability
Guided Tour to Caldeira of Furnas
Outdoor Climate Change Education and visit a Interpretation Center
Development of Spontaneity, Intuition, and Active Listening
Pair Exercise and Nature Observation in Terra Nostra Parque
Reflection - How can we contribute to environmental sustainability?
Day 3 - Outdoor Learning - Dolphin Watching
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 4 - School Leadership - Program in Vila Franca do Campo
Conducting practical activities and group exercises to develop leadership skills
Team games, problem-solving activities
Organization and leading a beach or park cleanup
Discussions on effective leadership strategies
Reflection - How can we create a transformative experience that empowers participants to become active citizens?
Day 5 - Positive School Culture - Program at Gorreana Tea Factory
Visiting a tea factory of Gorreana
Exploration of the oldest tea factory in Europe and learning about the tea production process
Positive School Culture Workshop: Conducting an interactive workshop on how to foster a positive school culture. Including discussions on student engagement techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and promoting emotional well-being
Reflection - How can we create a school environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to learn and grow?
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.