Integrar a aprendizagem ao ar livre na educação formal

Spending time outdoors has always been part of human life, shaping the way we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. Even today, stepping into a park, walking through a forest, or simply noticing the details of a city street can spark inspiration and new ideas. That’s exactly the spirit behind outdoor education: it helps teachers create meaningful, high-quality learning experiences while also reminding us of the importance of caring for our planet in the face of climate change.

A última edição do curso “Educação ao ar livre: uma nova forma de ensinar e aprender” teve lugar em Bolonha from 14/09/2025 to 20/09/2025. It brought together a diverse group of participants: Renata and Tünde from Colegiul Csiky Gergely Arad (Romania), Inga and Ulrike from Robert Wetzlar Berufskolleg (Germany), Dace and Iveta from Malpils vidusskola (Latvia), Elske from BBZ Dithmarschen (Germany), Xose from IES Val do Asma (Spain), and Miriam from Berufsbildende Schulen I Uelzen (Germany).

The week began with an exploration of what Educação ao ar livre really means. Participants quickly realized that it doesn’t always require forests or mountains; cities themselves can become classrooms. Through urban outdoor activities, they saw how subjects like science, mathematics, languages, art, or even music can be brought to life by simply observing and interacting with the environment around them.

Later in the course, nature played a central role. Local parks and green spaces became the setting for activities that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Teachers tested games and exercises designed to engage students of different ages, sparking inspiration not only for their own classrooms but also for designing entirely new outdoor learning experiences. These moments highlighted how stepping outside can turn even the simplest lessons into memorable experiences.

Another important theme of the training was Educação não formal (NFE), a learner-centered approach that places experience at the core of the process. By carrying out tasks, reflecting on them, and connecting them to real-life contexts, students can develop a deeper and longer-lasting understanding. This hands-on cycle was practiced throughout the course, giving participants the chance to live the method as learners before applying it as teachers.

As the week progressed, the focus shifted to designing complete outdoor lessons. After exploring Kurt Hahn’s principles of outdoor learning and experimenting with a variety of methods, each participant created their own lesson tailored to their subject, age group, and classroom needs. Sharing these plans with peers and receiving constructive feedback gave everyone valuable insights and practical takeaways.

By the end of the course, participants left Bologna with more than just new teaching strategies. They carried home fresh perspectives on how learning can happen anywhere in nature, in the city, or in everyday surroundings. Most importantly, they gained the confidence and creativity to design activities that make education more active, engaging, and connected to the real world.

Saiba mais sobre este curso  aqui.