Experiential Pedagogy in Nature

This immersive course in Finnish Lapland brings together European educators to explore experiential learning through nature, storytelling and hands‑on pedagogical practice. Set in Ylläs, participants work in shared cottage accommodation where learning, living and collaboration blend naturally. Each day introduces a pedagogical theme—ranging from self‑directed inquiry to storytelling, outdoor learning and empathy‑based methods—explored through practical workshops, nature excursions and reflective activities. Peer‑led sharing sessions allow participants to present their own classroom tools, fostering a rich exchange of European teaching practices. Collective meal preparation strengthens community building and supports informal dialogue. Evening programmes, including sauna and time outdoors, deepen the connection to Lapland’s environment. Educators co‑create a diverse, transferable toolbox for inclusive, creative and learner‑centred teaching aligned with Erasmus+ priorities.

Participants will deepen their understanding of experiential learning by engaging with Finnish Lapland’s nature, culture and pedagogical traditions. Through hands‑on workshops, outdoor activities and shared daily practices, they will explore themes such as self‑directed inquiry, storytelling, dialogue‑based learning, empathy‑driven methods and place‑based education. Peer‑led sessions strengthen the ability to analyse and adapt diverse European teaching practices, while collaborative meal preparation and shared living support community building and reflective dialogue. By the end of the course, participants will have co‑created a practical, transferable toolbox of learner‑centred methods for inclusive, creative and 21st‑century teaching across different educational contexts.

The course is based on experiential learning, where participants learn through hands‑on workshops, outdoor activities and shared daily practices. Methods include inquiry‑based tasks, storytelling exercises, dialogue circles, drama‑based methods, place‑based exploration and reflective journaling. Peer‑led sessions allow participants to present and analyse their own classroom tools, strengthening collaborative learning. Shared meal preparation and cottage living support informal pedagogical dialogue and community building. Assessment is continuous and formative, focusing on participation, reflection notes, peer feedback and contributions to group discussions. No formal testing is used; instead, emphasis is placed on self‑reflection and the ability to apply methods to one’s own teaching context.

The course uses simple hands‑on materials provided by the organiser, such as paper, natural objects and basic creative tools. Participants use their own phones or laptops to access shared documents, reflection tasks and the co‑created digital resource bank. Outdoor activities require weather‑appropriate clothing and footwear. The surrounding nature, shared cottage spaces and participants’ own teaching examples serve as key learning resources.

The course fee includes all teaching, guided activities and local transportation in Äkäslompolo. Basic materials needed during the course are provided by the organiser. Accommodation is not included in the course fee. Accommodation prices are: private room €500; room with private toilet €650. Meals are organised collectively and paid separately.