The aim of the course is to develop students’ competence and knowledge about outdoor pedagogy, how it can be used pedagogically in different subjects with focus on sustainability issues.

The course covers theory and practice of outdoor education. During the course, students will experience, explore, plan and organize various kinds of outdoor learning activities. The course offers the students the possibility to develop their skills in planning outdoor education. Further, students will become acquainted with and learn to evaluate research in outdoor education. The course requires active participation in seminars and outdoor activities.

After completing the course the student will be able to

1. Lead and organize outdoor education in an interdisciplinary context with focus on sustainability

2. Discuss how environment and school surroundings can be used as pedagogical resources

3. Reflect on ecological issues, context of natural environment and relations between nature and society from sustainability perspectives

4. Reflect and problematize how outdoor pedagogy can be used for pupils’ learning and development.

Different outdoor places/perspectives will be explored during workshops, seminars, lectures, study visits and fieldwork. Both individual and group works are part of the course.

Portfolio Examination (7, 5 credits)

This examination will assess learning outcome 1 and 2.

Oral and written Examination (7, 5 credits)

This examination will assess learning outcome 3 and 4.

Henderson, B. & Vikander, N. (2007). Nature first. Outdoor life the friluftsliv way. Toronto. Natural Heritages Books (selected chapters)

Sandell, K., Öhman, J. & Östman, L. (2005). Education for Sustainable Development. Nature, school and Democracy. Lund: Studentlitteratur (selected chapters)

Literature and articles will be added during the course!

Evaluation is an integral part of the course and takes place on two separate occasions: mid-course and at the end of the course. A final written individual evaluation based on learning outcomes is completed at the end of the course. The result of the course evaluation is summarized and made available in a report to be used as a basis for future courses.