Empowering Student Participation Non-Formal Education & Outdoor Methods
Course Description
Non-formal education refers to educational activities that fall outside the traditional formal education system, such as community education, youth work, and adult education. These activities are usually organized by NGOs, community groups, and other civil society organizations, and are often designed to reach marginalized or disadvantaged groups who may not have access to formal education. Non-formal education can take many forms, including workshops, classes, training programs, and hands-on learning opportunities, and can cover a wide range of subjects, including literacy, vocational skills, health, and citizenship. One of the key features of non-formal education is that it is often tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of the target group, and is delivered in a flexible, learner-centered way.
The purpose of non-formal education is to give students the tools they need to take an active role in their own education by employing a wide range of strategies, both indoors and outdoors. This training course will concentrate on teaching educators how to create and administer non-formal education programs that engage students and foster active engagement in learning. The course will take place over the course of one week. This will involve activities like as going on field excursions, working on hands-on projects, and volunteering in the community, as well as making use of technology to make learning and participation more effective. This training course has been designed with the intention of assisting educators in the acquisition of the information and abilities necessary to design and implement successful non-formal education programs that encourage students to take an active participation in their own education.
Learning Outcomes
Successful graduates of the course will have the knowledge and skills to do the following:
- Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through non-formal education methods
- Enhancing students’ creativity and self-expression through outdoor activities
- Building teamwork and collaboration skills through group-based non-formal education activities
- Fostering students’ self-awareness and self-esteem through non-formal education methods
- Increasing students’ motivation and engagement in learning through non-formal education activities
- Developing students’ social and emotional competencies through non-formal education methods
- Enhancing students’ cultural understanding and respect through non-formal education activities
- Promoting students’ active citizenship and social responsibility through non-formal education methods
- Improving students’ communication and language skills through non-formal education activities
- Fostering students’ environmental awareness and sustainability through non-formal education methods
Course Details
TARGET GROUP
Professionals in the education sector (e.g., teachers, guidance counselors, principals, and administrators at elementary, middle, higher education, vocational institutions, kindergartens and pre-primary schools) and non-governmental organization (NGO) staff.
METHODOLOGY
The methodology of this training course will focus on utilizing a combination of both in and outdoor methods to empower students’ active participation in their own learning. This will be achieved through a combination of lectures, workshops, outdoor activities, group discussions, and hands-on activities. Participants will also have the opportunity to observe and analyze real-life examples of non-formal education in action, as well as reflect on their own teaching practices and develop new strategies to incorporate non-formal education techniques in their classrooms. The goal is to provide a holistic and experiential approach to learning, where participants can apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to their own teaching practice.
Course Objectives
- Definition of Non-Formal Education: Introduce the basic concepts, characteristics, and importance of non-formal education.
- Importance of Active Participation: Understand the role and importance of students’ active participation in education.
- Indoor Methods: Learn effective indoor education methods and techniques, and introduce various activities and games to encourage student participation.
- Outdoor Methods: Introduce outdoor education methods and examine how engaging with the natural environment can enhance students’ learning.
- Group Work and Team Building: Promote social skills and collaboration through group work and team-building activities.
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Develop students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills through non-formal education methods.
- Student-Centered Approaches: Adopt and implement student-centered learning approaches.
- Self-Assessment and Reflection: Instill skills in self-assessment and reflection among students.
- Learning Materials and Resources: Select and utilize effective learning materials and resources for non-formal education.
- Role of the Educator: Understand the role of the educator in the non-formal education process and learn how to fulfill this role more effectively.
- Assessment and Feedback: Develop assessment techniques and feedback strategies suitable for non-formal education methods.
- Connection with the Community: Link educational processes with the community to facilitate students’ contributions to society and their understanding of social responsibilities.
Tentative Schedule
Day 1 – ARRIVAL DAY
- Presentation of the course and participants
- Icebreaking activities
- Brainstorming and team building
- Concept of non-formal education and its benefits for empowering students’ active participation
- Types of non-formal education methods and strategies
Day 2 – OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND ADVENTURE-BASED LEARNING
- Benefits of outdoor education and how it can be used to empower students’ active participation
- Outdoor education activities and methods
- Adventure education
- Environmental education
- Experiential learning
Day 3 – NON-FORMAL INDOOR EDUCATION
- Benefits of indoor education and how it can be used to empower students’ active participation
- Indoor education activities and methods
- Role-playing
- Simulations
- Project-based learning
Day 4 – COMBINING OUTDOOR AND INDOOR EDUCATION
- Benefits of combining outdoor and indoor education in order to create a holistic learning experience
- Physical environment management (PEM)
- Accessibility
- Open gear-lending libraries in schools
- Outdoor learning areas
Day 5 – USING TECHNOLOGY IN NON-FORMAL EDUCATION
- Multimedia, ICT and Web tools for non-formal learning
- Workshop for the creation of video-lessons
- Digital learning contents
- Blended lessons
Day 6 – FACILITATION AND GROUP DYNAMICS
- Role of facilitators in non-formal education
- Facilitation skills through group activities
- Theatre
- Storytelling and video-making
- Environmental education tools
- Team games
- Visiting to a local school involved in non-formal education
Day 7 – DEPARTURE DAY
- Course evaluation, feedback, discussion and wrap-up
- Certificate ceremony
- Cultural activities
*The schedule describes likely activities but may differ significantly based on the requests of the participants, and the trainer delivering the specific session. Course modifications are subject to the trainer’s discretion. If you would like to discuss a specific topic, please indicate it at least 4 weeks in advance.
Our courses usually include two cultural activities. Further information is available on the webpage of each course.