Lead Teacher in Outdoor Learning and Teaching in Nature
About the programme
The Teaching in Nature programme supports teachers to use wild and natural places as a context for learning. Using simple ‘place responsive’ planning and questioning, teachers and their learners will use regular visits to a location to meet many CfE and learning aims.
The course is collaborative, participants sharing planning, successes and challenges. The course is also active – participants get outside to experience the learning tools and processes first hand. Participants complete a simple, reflective learning log as evidence of their learning.
This course was developed in 2012 by Greg Mannion of Stirling University, and has proved incredibly popular. Quotes from previous participants include ‘A sea change in teaching and learning’ and ‘the best course in 12 years of teaching’.
A Teaching in Nature course comprises of two complete days, three half days and a commitment to take learners outdoors over the course of an academic session.
The Lead Teacher in Outdoor Learning programme is aimed at using school grounds and local, accessible green spaces as a place to extend learning. The course is packed with practical lesson ideas and activities, from across the curriculum. The phrase ‘do something different, don’t do more’ applies to much of the learning opportunities.
The course is collaborative, with teachers sharing planning, activities and experiences with other course participants. The process also challenges teachers to consider why they would choose to use outdoor learning, and the benefits that taking different approaches to learning brings. Participants complete a simple, reflective learning log as evidence of their learning.
This course has been running since 2009, having been developed by teachers in Scotland. Previous participants have gone on to take the lead in outdoor learning or learning for sustainability in their setting.
Lead Teacher in Outdoor Learning usually takes place over two full days and three half days across an academic session.
Contact
Matt Robinson, Outdoor Learning Officer.
gfl@ltl.org.uk
01786 465 934
