Outdoor education study tour 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: 9am – 3pm
Program language: English
The 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
- Hosted school visit: classroom observation, discussions with principal and teachers
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
- Hosted school visit: classroom observation, discussions with principal and teachers
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
- Hosted visit to a forest day care center or forest pre-primary group
- Evening program: Finnish Nature Experience including a dinner
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
- Hosted 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
The program includes:
- Expert lectures and workshops
- Study material
- Guided visits and transportation to visit places
- Expert host
- Finnish Nature Experience including a dinner
- Certificate of participation
- Premium version of LessonApp for free for a year
- Book Finnish Education in Practice: What, Why and How
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.
Costs:
Group prices:
10-14 participants in a group the price is 1300e+ possible VAT 25,5% / person
15-20 participants in a group the price is 1200e+ possible VAT 25,5% / person
On request for groups only! Please contact us
Please note that accommodation is not included in the price.
Excursions and cultural experiences:
There are plenty of excursions and evening activities available.
Are you interested in Boat Tour or seeing Finnish Wilderness? How about Sauna Experience or Ice hole swimming?
Contact us: info@learningscoop.fi
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 are close to our training premises. The design of the rooms was influenced by nature and the stories of Lapland.
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”
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