Learning Beyond Walls
Learning Beyond Walls
Empowering Education through Outdoor
Experiences and Environmental Connection
This course inspires educators to design engaging lessons using nature, urban settings, and outdoor spaces. Through observation, hands-on activities, games, and collaboration, it promotes experiential learning and a positive classroom atmosphere while encouraging critical thinking through creative teaching approaches.
Keywords: Outdoor education, Urban exploration, Nature connection, Environmental literacy, Team building, Mindfulness outdoors, Athens cultural heritage
Topics: Curriculum integration, Observation & inquiry, Classroom management in open spaces, Collaboration & leadership, Critical & creative thinking, Storytelling & environmental art, Well-being and stress reduction, Local history
Key competences: Personal, social & learning to learn; Cultural awareness & expression; Literacy & communication;
Subjects: Biology, Geometry in nature, Creative writing outdoors, Nature poetry, Storytelling under trees, Human impact on the environment, Geography, Land art / nature-based art, Team-building games, Outdoor sports & activities, Physical Education
Vocational subjects: Environmental Education, Outdoor Leadership & Safety, Nature Interpretation & Guiding, Creative Facilitation/Drama in Education, Education Technology for Fieldwork, Curriculum & Lesson Design for Outdoor Learning
The Value of Outdoor Education for Teachers and Students.
Outdoor education brings learning to life through creative, experiential activities beyond the classroom. Based on Gibson’s Affordance Theory, environments suggest actions naturally—like nature walks, urban explorations, storytelling, experiments, and art inspired by surroundings. These activities support curriculum goals while engaging students emotionally and intellectually.
For teachers, this approach reveals students’ strengths and learning styles, encouraging flexibility, creativity, and stronger relationships. Students gain curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and independence. Outdoor learning enhances critical thinking and well-being, reduces stress, and connects students with society and the environment.
In a digital world, it offers meaningful, real-world learning and fosters engaged, responsible future citizens.
Engage students in activities that build appreciation for the natural world and promote environmental awareness.
Support hands-on learning, observation, and real-world problem solving in outdoor settings.
Develop teamwork, communication, and leadership through group challenges and shared tasks.
Strengthen analytical and creative thinking through observation and exploration of real-life issues.
Build resilience, confidence, and positive peer interactions in supportive outdoor environments.
Encourage physical activity and mental relaxation to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Link outdoor activities to academic subjects for meaningful, interdisciplinary learning.
Teach sustainability, conservation, and the impact of human actions on the planet.
Outdoor education uses an experiential learning approach, engaging students directly with natural and urban environments to explore, observe, and solve problems. It emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary activities that combine science, geography, history, art, physical and environmental education. These experiences promote critical thinking, creativity, and the development of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Through active exploration, students reflect on how environments shape cultural and social narratives, gaining deeper insight into the significance of both natural and human-made spaces. The setting becomes a dynamic learning tool, presenting real-world challenges that support academic knowledge, emotional growth, physical activity, and a strong sense of cultural belonging.
Course Evaluation
ΟΙD: E10352415
VAT: 802307695
EUID: ELGEMI: 174051903000
Funogen Education Erasmus+ Center
106 Andreas Sygrou Avenue, Athens GR 11741, Greece
+30 6987 467249, +30 6945 144892
Email: er@funogen.com
Responsible Person:
Prof. Athanasios Alexiou, Director of Research and Education
Email: alexiou@funogen.com