Pedagogical innovation
H.E.A.R.T. – Holistic Education through Active, Reflective Play, Teamwork & Territory
6 days
Alberto
This innovative Erasmus+ course invites educators to experience holistic education in motion — combining the power of board games with reflective play, emotional intelligence, and the cultural richness of the southwest Alentejo coast.
Rooted in experiential and game-based learning, the course fosters creativity, critical thinking, emotional awareness and community-building. The beautiful seaside village of Vila Nova de Milfontes becomes both a backdrop and a partner in learning: through guided walks, local experiences and outdoor sessions, the place itself becomes part of the pedagogy.
Participants will design and adapt educational games, engage in reflection circles, and enjoy moments of deep connection with themselves, each other, and the environment.
🌀 Methodology
This course is based on active, learner-centered methodologies, including:
Experiential Learning – learning by doing, with structured reflection
Game-Based Learning – board games as tools for meaningful engagement
Collaborative Learning – building knowledge through teamwork and peer exchange
Reflective Practice – through journaling, group sharing and guided discussions
Place-Based Education – using the surrounding nature and culture as part of the learning environment
Learning Outcomes
Participants to the course will learn to:
Understand the core principles of holistic education
Identify and apply board games that support critical thinking, cooperation, creativity, and self-awareness
Use play as a tool for emotional regulation and resilience
Design or adapt board games to serve pedagogical goals
Foster a classroom culture based on collaboration, reflection, and active learning
Integrate nature and local culture as educational resources
Programme
H.E.A.R.T. – Holistic Education through Active, Reflective Play, Teamwork & Territory
Day 1 – Welcoming H.E.A.R.T.: Connection through Place and Play
Welcome circle & course overview
Welcome walk through Milfontes – symbolic sites, viewpoints and group games for presence and connection
Introduction to holistic education and the power of play
First encounter with board games as learning tools
Day 2 – Strategic Thinking & Resilience through Games
Game mechanics and cognitive skills
Playing games that develop decision-making and foresight
Reflection: how failure in games nurtures resilience
Outdoor play session near the river or gardens
Day 3 – Cooperation, Communication & Community
Exploring cooperative board games
Group dynamics and peer learning through gameplay
Visit or short dialogue with a local community project
Designing games inspired by collective learning
Day 4 – Creativity & Emotional Expression through Games
Narrative games, symbolic thinking and self-expression
Workshop: creating activities that foster emotional literacy
Optional activity: expressive arts or storytelling with local inspiration
Sunset reflection walk by the ocean
Day 5 – From Theory to Practice
Game adaptation/design lab: developing games for your own students
Presentations of mini-game projects
Evaluating holistic learning impact
Sharing of resources and peer feedback
Group lunch with traditional Alentejo food
Day 6 – Reflect, Celebrate & Walk Forward
Final reflection circle: what we learned, what we carry forward
Personal journaling and collective sharing
Certificate ceremony in nature
Guided walk along the coastal trail – pause for silence, reflection and closure
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.