|
Below you can find some basic information about the training course “Towards the Within” which ATPN is organising from 4 till 12 of September in Ukraine. The topic of this training ocurse is Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning with social excluded groups of young people.
If you’re interested to join this training course you can find more information and the application form on the website by following the link : http://www.theknotweb.net/page.php?Menu=towards_the_within .
Introduction
The practice of outdoor education has been an active part of non-formal education for years, and due to it’s interactive character it has experienced many stages of development: both in theoretical, conceptual, pedagogical, practical and case-to-case ways. The term ‘outdoor education’ has been defined and used in many ways. Some time ago outdoor education was used as a synonymous with environmental education and outdoor recreation. The term, however, has transformed itself from environmental education to broader meanings and now it is frequently applied to programs or activities that can be, and usually are, conducted in the out-of-doors, and implying an interaction between the participant and the outdoor environment.
The general essential characteristics of outdoor education nevertheless have stayed the same. It occurs in the out-of doors, it has its participants directly involved in the activity, it involves the interpretation of original objects, it defines relationships rather than reciting individual, apparently isolated facts, it involves as many senses as possible and it invites participation because activity is perceived as being interesting, challenging and/ or even fun. So, outdoor education activities now seek to develop values relating to group work (in-group versus out-group), leadership and self-esteem.
This training course is designed aiming at quality and applicability of experiential learning methods of outdoor education, with a perspective on improving and including those groups of youth that are faced with social exclusion for numerous reasons (cultural background, sexual orientation, socio-economical position, etc.).
Aims and Objectives
The main aim of this training is the improvement of the quality of inclusive youth work by rising competences of trainers and youth workers, to use and know the limitations of outdoor education and experiential learning methods, as renewed ways to reach a more diverse group of youth.
The objectives below make this aim more specific:
· Giving the target group tools to deal with quality experiential learning in outdoor education
· Exchanging and sharing experiences, concepts and methods of outdoor education and experiential learning
· Exploring ways to incorporate diversity management into the work and trainings the participants do
· Developing cross-cultural awareness by providing structured space for sharing, experiencing and addressing intercultural learning
· Increasing knowledge of the theoretical and pedagogical background of outdoor education and experiential learning methods
· Developing teamwork, leadership and cooperation skills of the participants
· Raising ability to transfer outdoor education and experiential learning concepts into day-to-day youth work practice
· Setting basis for positive future cooperation
|