Within the framework of the European Erasmus+ Program ΚΑ122 / 2024-1-EL01-SCH-000223545” and titled: “Breaking Stereotypes: Inclusive STEAM Education for a Brighter Tomorrow”, five teachers from the 47th Primary School of Heraklion participated in an educational mobility in Helsinki entitled Learning Outside the Classroom organized by the Europass Teacher Academy.
The training lasted one week and had as its main objective the in-depth understanding of the advantages of outdoor education and the dynamics offered by learning outside the traditional classroom context.
The participants developed practical skills and knowledge for designing and implementing educational activities in nature, learned new pedagogical methods adapted to the natural environment, and explored strategies that enhance the well-being and creativity of students through experiential learning.
Throughout the program, our teachers came into contact with the Finnish education system – one of the most successful in the world – and actively participated in activities such as visits to parks, forests, the iconic Oodi library, and the Helsinki City Museum. There, they experimented with wellness activities in nature and innovative pedagogical games.
The interaction with teachers from other European countries was a key element of the experience, as it enhanced the exchange of ideas, good practices, and cultural experiences.
Of course, our teachers also brought with them the Cretan spirit! After the activities in the forest, they danced traditional Cretan dances, sharing with the other participants the enthusiasm, liveliness, and uniqueness of the Greek cultural identity.
This training was a valuable milestone for the professional development of the participants, the strengthening of their teaching tools and the cultivation of a new pedagogical philosophy that brings learning closer to nature and man.
“Learning has no walls – it begins where the classroom ends.”
