Outdoor Education in Finland Study Tour

Description

Interested to learn more about outdoor education and versatile learning environments in Finland?

Learning outdoors has an especially strong emphasis in Finnish education. Finland is a country covered by forests and lakes. There is basically a forest nearby every Finnish basic education (grades 1–9) school. It is not unusual that a forest begins from the school yard.

Finnish national core curriculum supports outdoor learning. Curriculum encourages teachers to use versatile teaching methods and learning environments. In Finland outdoor education is not an extra activity, it is a part of the curriculum.

Nature is an endless source of learning possibilities: you can learn e.g., mathematics, physics, history, geography, languages, art, physical education etc. in nature. Furthermore, nature is also a good place for environmental education: children can be taught responsible action in the environment as well as the basics of sustainable living. Now you have a chance to learn more about Finnish outdoor education and get inspired!

Target groups: teachers, principals, school owners, anyone interested in Finnish outdoor education.

Objectives: The program gives visitors an overview of the Finnish education system and outdoor education as an integral part of it. Study Tour introduces the founding principles in Finnish outdoor education and how it is implemented in action. In addition, the program offers research-based and hands-on professional development for teachers.

Where: Tampere, Finland.
Daily program on Study Tour at 9am – 3pm

Program language: delivered in English

Nature is an endless source of learning possibilities.

Program:

Monday: Introduction to the Finnish Education System

Finnish Education system and training routes
Introduction to the principles behind the education system
Paradoxes of Finnish Education: Less is More, No dead ends etc.
Coherent learning path from early childhood education to higher education
Modern research-based pedagogy as a basis for education
School visit

Tuesday: Finnish curriculum, transversal skills and versatile learning environments

Learner-centered approach in Finnish education
Finnish National Core Curriculum in basic education: continuous assessment, but no national tests
What are the skills that our pupils and students need in the future?
Transversal competencies supporting development as a human being and as a citizen
Diverse learning environments promoting transversal skills
School visit

Wednesday: Outdoor education in Finland

Outdoor education as one of the key elements of the Finnish education model
Experiential and authentic learning as the basis for outdoor education
How outdoor education is applied in different subjects and education levels
Benefits of outdoor education
Phenomenon-based learning outdoors
Outdoor education promoting sustainable development
Forest as a learning environment
School visit
Evening program: Finnish Nature Experience

Thursday: Outdoor education in practice – hands-on workshop

Workshop is held outdoors if the weather permits

- Outdoor education in practice
- Application of outdoor education for different subjects and age groups
- Versatile learning environments supporting the growth, learning and involvement of students
- Linking curriculum to outdoor education
- Safety plans and preparations for outdoor education
- School visit: visit to Nature school or school with an emphasis on outdoor education or sustainable development

Friday: Becoming a confident outdoor educator – hands-on workshop

How can I apply outdoor education in my own work?
Preparing next steps and action plan for the future
Reflection of the program, ideas of implementation and co-operation
Farewell lunch
Evaluation and reflection of the program
Certificates of the participation

This is an example program. Minor changes to content and schedule are possible

Finnish national core curriculum supports outdoor learning.

Visits include:

Guided visits to Finnish day care center, schools and / or Nature school
Different types of outdoor education learning environments
Observation and participation in the schools’ day-to-day activities, meal time, outdoor activities etc.
Opportunities to talk with teachers and students

Trainers: Learning Scoop’s staff comprises experienced teachers, principals and education experts, who have received excellent feedback on their work. The trainers at Learning Scoop have years of teaching experience gained through the Finnish educational community and through teacher training.

Learning Scoop’s Study Tours were awarded as the most authentic Finnish educational travel products and the best professional programs for teachers.

Costs: On request for groups only! Please contact us

10-14 participants in a group the price is 1300e + possible VAT 25,5% / person (please ask if VAT applies)
15-20 participants in a group the price is 1200e + possible VAT 25,5% / person (please ask if VAT applies)

The program includes lectures and workshops, study material, guided visits and transportation to visit places, Finnish Nature Experience, certificate of participation, Premium version of LessonApp for free for a year, Book Finnish Education in Practice: What, Why and How, lunches and farewell lunch.

Accommodation

We are happy to collaborate with Lapland Hotels which offers you a chance to experience Lapland in the heart of a city. The centrally located hotels ares close to our training premises. The design of the rooms was influenced by nature and the stories of Lapland. The restaurant serves unique tastes of Nordic nature and Lapland in visually pleasing dishes.

Lapland Hotels offer fixed prices for our customers accordingly:

Lapland Hotels Tampere, Address Yliopistonkatu 44, Tampere:

Room in Comfort Class for 1 person 112€/night in 2024 (118€ in 2025)
Room in Comfort Class for 2 persons 132€/night in 2024 (138€ in 2025)

Lapland Hotels Arena, Address Ratapihankatu 54, Tampere:

Room in Comfort Class for 1 person 122€/night in 2024 (128€ in 2025)Room in Comfort Class for 2 persons 142€/night in 2024 (148€ in 2025)

Prices include buffet breakfast with local delicacies, taxes, sauna and wireless internet connection.

Check the availability and book your room at Lapland Hotels in Tampere by email sales.tampere@laplandhotels.com with code “LEARNINGSCOOP”

Check out our other study tours too: Basic Education Study Tour, Arctic Pedagogy Study Tour, Principal Study Tour, and Early Childhood Education and Care Study Tour!

What will you see when visiting a Finnish school?