MA537 Pedagogical perspectives in outdoor learning (5 ECTS) 

Course facts

Introduction

This course gives students the tools to design and facilitate engaging, place-responsive lessons outside the classroom, in nearby environments.  The course’s central focus is on developing friluftsliv lessons that are rooted in the cultural, historical, and ecological phenomena of the places in which they are located. Risk management is also a strong theme.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• articulate the theoretical underpinnings of place-responsive learning
• apply place-responsive learning theory in planning, delivering and evaluating a friluftsliv lesson
• design a place-responsive friluftsliv lesson
• deliver a theory-based friluftsliv lesson in a nearby, local place
• undertake a pre-activity risk assessment
• demonstrate appropriate outdoor group supervision practices
• reflect critically on their own teaching performance 

Learning styles and activities

Lectures, workshops, outdoor teaching sessions, self-directed study. 

Mandatory assignment

A minimum of 80% attendance is required for all indoor lectures and 100% attendance is mandatory for all outdoor classes. Active engagement in all aspects of the course is expected, especially when being taught by peers.

Must be apporved before final assessment.

Assessment

Course assessment comprises three assignments. Each assignment is graded A-F. 

1. A theory-based lesson plan and risk assessment (30%).
2. A friluftsliv lesson delivered to the rest of the class (40%).
3. An essay critically evaluating their own outdoor teaching performance (30%).