Outdoor Odyssey
Empowering environmental change through Education for Sustainable Development in Outdoor Settings
Course Description
This Course aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and key competences to confidently lead environmental education and sustainable development programs through the use of outdoor settings as an effective, experiential tool to build a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.
It combines theoretical learning with practical experiences in real-life settings, providing a well-rounded and immersive learning experience. These settings will be natural and/or man-made places of interest (e.g. National Parks, museums, eco-farms, city historic centres, archaeological sites, nature trails, botanic gardens, and the sea coast)
The Course will focus on the following:
Foundations of Environmental Education:
Introduction to environmental concepts, sustainability principles, and the importance of outdoor learning
Pedagogy for Outdoor Education:
Effective teaching methods, curriculum design, and facilitation techniques for non-formal outdoor settings
Experiential Learning Techniques:
Practical strategies for engaging learners in hands-on, outdoor activities and field experiences
Advocacy and Community Engagement:
Empowering participants to become advocates for environmental stewardship within their communities
Cultural & Social Perspectives in Environmental Education:
Understanding the cultural and social dimensions of environmental issues and promoting inclusivity
The course will be based in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. To conduct the practical modules, there will be field-visits to the Troodos mountain range (forest activities), to the Cape Gkreko area, which is located on the South-Eastern coast of the island (sea activities), and to the Riverland Biofarm.
Training Program
Day Activities
- Welcome addressed to the participants by management
- Course outline
- Ice breaking activities at Athalassa National Park
- Understanding the historical development of environmental education and the emergence of education for sustainable development
- Deep insight into contemporary research and professional work in the fields of outdoor education and environmental and sustainability education
- Sharing of environmental education practices used in different countries/educational organizations
Day Activities
- Understanding the relationship between art and the environment
- Appreciation of the value of taking art teaching in nature settings
- Experiencing learning by doing through first-hand and sensory activities in the forest ecosystem of Troodos Mountain Range
- Experiencing various instructional approaches connecting to art and Environmental Education and the impact of such approaches in education
Day Activities
- Exploration of a range of thematic approaches to environmental education
- Participation in experiential environmental education activities in a bio-farm and a forest ecosystem or a river ecosystem (winter)
- Understanding how local production-consumption models can be fostered through environmental education
- Understanding the role of experiential learning in the context of environmental education
Day Activities
- Use of non-formal education and outdoor settings to promote Environmental Education, such as fieldwork activities (Study of Seaside Environment) at the Cape Gkreko area (South-Eastern coast of the island by the sea)
- Enhancement of personal and social development for sustainable living
- Integration of history, environment, and culture using non-formal education
- Experience of the challenges and impact of using outdoor settings in the teaching
- Development of skills to use the natural and cultural landscape as a resource in one owns profession
Day Activities
- Final activities
- Evaluation of the course
- Diploma awarding
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate Knowledge of Local Ecosystems
- Apply Conservation Principles
- Analyse Environmental Issues
- Demonstrate Responsible Outdoor Ethics
- Deeper understanding and appreciation of nature
- Promote Sustainable Behaviors
- Develop Cultural and Social Awareness
- Apply Problem-Solving Strategies
- Promote Environmental Advocacy
- Reflect on Personal Environmental Values
- Promote Environmental Advocacy
- Collaborate for Environmental Advocacy
Methodology
Experiential Learning
Emphasise hands-on, experiential activities in real-life settings for engagement with the environment through observations, & practical exercises
Reflective Practice
Incorporate regular reflection sessions where participants can discuss their experiences, insights, and personal growth related to the course content.
Skills Demonstrations
Evaluate participants' proficiency in outdoor skills through practical demonstrations or assessments of their ability to safely navigate & operate in outdoor environments.
Environmental Interpretation
Teach effective communication techniques for interpreting ecological concepts and conveying environmental information to diverse audiences
Upcoming Sessions
| Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|
| September 23, 2024 | September 27, 2024 |
| October 21, 2024 | October 25, 2024 |
| November 25, 2024 | November 29, 2024 |
| December 2, 2024 | December 6, 2024 |
| February 17, 2025 | February 21, 2025 |
| March 17, 2025 | March 21, 2025 |
| April 7, 2025 | April 11, 2025 |
| May 5, 2025 | May 9, 2025 |
| June 23, 2025 | June 27, 2025 |
| July 7, 2025 | July 11, 2025 |
| August 25, 2025 | August 29, 2025 |
| September 22, 2025 | September 26, 2025 |
| October 13, 2025 | October 17, 2025 |
| November 10, 2025 | November 14, 2025 |
| December 1, 2025 | December 5, 2025 |