From the classroom to the nature of Tenerife: the benefits of outdoor learning within KA1 staff mobility courses

While traditional Erasmus+ staff training weeks often take place in conference rooms, the innovative adult educational method of outdoor learning is becoming increasingly popular as an attractive and effective alternative. But why exactly do we facilitate our Erasmus+ staff mobility courses outdoors? There are numerous reasons that support both personal growth and transnational learning success.

One of the main benefits of the outdoor setting in KA1courses is the increased interest for learning. Nature and broader surroundings provide an inspiring environment that promotes a sense of freedom and discovery. Instead of sitting in a static, enclosed space, participants actively experience nature. This not only changes the mood, but also creates new perspectives that deepen learning. The change of environment helps to open the mind and better absorb new information as well as offers room for reflection on our activities.

Another advantage is the promotion of hands-on activities that fosters creativity, communication and working together towards a common goal. We know this concept from experiential learning, rooted from famous philosopher and educator John Dewey´s concept of learning by doing (Williams, 2017).  In the outdoors, there are no rigid rules that set a fixed framework. Instead, learners are encouraged to think outside the box, solve problems and fully express and explore their creativity. Next to the physical activity that provides a positive effect on health and well-being, a walk in the woods or a stay in an open meadow can often provide more inspiration than hours spent pondering at a desk.

In addition, learning in nature supports team building and collaboration. It is a possibility of learning together through a conversational approach (Fontana & Frey, 2000). Many outdoor activities, such as our hiking together or team challenges, promote trust and communication among the participants. This creates a relaxed and open learning atmosphere in which everyone involved supports each other. This can be invaluable, especially in professional development, where teamwork plays a major role.

Another important pillar of our Erasmus+ trainings is the symbiosis of non-formal learning with the place-based learning (Yemini, Engel, Ben Simon, 2023). First, from our participants perspective the main purpose of coming to our beautiful island is #travellingtolearn. During their educational mobility, staff from HEI visit local initiatives of the Island that contribute to a better understanding of traditions, culture and landscapes as well as to engage in community programs that emphasises learning through connection and sustainably contributes to integrate those experiences in our daily (work)lives back home.

All those learning outcomes on creativity, leadership, communication skills and teamwork promote invaluable softskills for professions throughout our modern labour market.

As an accredited Erasmus+ partner Tenerife Job Training is facilitating KA1 staff training courses on Tenerife, the biggest of the Canary Islands. Highly involved in tourism, Tenerife Job Training is putting their expertise in developing Educational Tourism to support both the advancement and needs of local companies and ambitious learners who are #travellingtolearn coming to Tenerife. An evaluation among our overall 442 participants from the past three years had shown a great interest in our practical and outdoor oriented staff mobility offers of HEI staff coming from Poland, Germany and France (please find statistics below). This interesting fact encourages us to constantly improve the accessibility for our target group, that covers staff trainers all over Europe.

Our Erasmus+ staff training courses are based on a non-formal learning approach that combines content learning (such as learning about sustainability, mental health and Spanish or English language) with a fun transnational exchange on a local base. Please feel free to have a look at our confirmed Erasmus+ staff mobility weeks at our website: https://www.tenerifejobtraining.com/en/cooperations-european-mobility-programmes.html

For more details and registration to the Erasmus+ trainings, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@tenerifejobtraining.com

Author: Diana (Entrepreneur in Residence)

References:

Fontana, A. &Frey, J. (2000). The Interview: From Structured Questions to Negotiated Text. In. Denzin, N and Lincoln, Y. (Eds) Handbook of Qualitative Research. London: Sage: 645-672.

Williams, M. K. (2017). John Dewey in the 21st century. Journal of Inquiry and Action in Education, 9(1), 91–102.

Yemini, M., Engel, L., & Ben Simon, A. (2023). Place-based education – a systematic review of literature. Educational Review, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2023.2177260