Green Classrooms: Sustainability and Outdoor Learning in European School
Green Classrooms: Sustainability and Outdoor Learning in European Schools
Green Classrooms: Sustainability and Outdoor Learning in European Schools is a training course designed for teachers, school leaders, and educators who wish to integrate sustainability and innovative practices into their teaching. Through hands-on workshops, outdoor activities, and collaborative learning, participants will explore how to transform traditional classrooms into green and inspiring learning environments. The course combines theory and practice to address topics such as the re-naturalisation of school spaces, eco-friendly initiatives, active and participatory methodologies, and the benefits of outdoor education for students’ motivation, inclusion, and well-being. By the end of the course, participants will develop practical strategies and action plans to implement in their own schools, fostering sustainability, creativity, and lifelong learning competences within the framework of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Trainer
Course Fee
400€ (pack 2 teachers) 470€ (1 teacher)
Available Seats
20
Schedule
4.00 pm - 7.00 pm
Promote the transformation of educational spaces into natural environments
Encourage the transformation of educational spaces into dynamic, nature-infused environments that nurture reflection, co-creation, and holistic development. These spaces should be designed to dissolve the boundaries between classroom and living ecosystem, inviting students to engage with their surroundings through sensory exploration, collaborative dialogue, and creative expression. By integrating natural elements—such as outdoor classrooms, gardens, biophilic design, and ecological materials—educators can cultivate a culture of wonder, curiosity, and inquiry. These qualities are not only foundational to deep learning but also vital to personal and social growth. Such environments inspire experimentation, resilience, and empathy, allowing learners to connect with themselves, each other, and the planet in meaningful ways. Ultimately, this approach reimagines education as a participatory, regenerative process rooted in care, imagination, and shared responsibility.
Support ecosocial educational transformation
Support the ecosocial transformation of education by re-naturalising school spaces in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. This means reimagining schools not just as places of instruction, but as living ecosystems that reflect and nurture the interconnectedness of human and environmental well-being. By integrating natural elements—such as green architecture, outdoor learning areas, biodiversity gardens, and sustainable resource management—educational environments can become catalysts for ecological literacy, emotional resilience, and community engagement. These spaces should invite students to experience nature as a co-teacher, fostering a sense of stewardship, empathy, and responsibility toward the planet. Grounded in the SDGs, this approach promotes inclusive, equitable, and quality education while advancing climate action, health, and sustainable cities. It’s a call to redesign learning environments as regenerative spaces that inspire both personal transformation and collective action.
Design transformation projects
Develop transformation projects tailored to the unique needs, contexts, and aspirations of each school community, emphasizing the profound benefits of direct contact with nature for health, personal growth, and meaningful learning. This approach recognizes that every educational setting has its own cultural, ecological, and social identity, and that effective change must be rooted in local realities. By co-designing initiatives with educators, students, families, and community stakeholders, schools can create inclusive and regenerative environments that promote physical well-being, emotional balance, and cognitive engagement. Nature-based experiences—such as outdoor classrooms, sensory gardens, ecological restoration projects, and seasonal learning cycles—can enhance concentration, reduce stress, and spark curiosity. These projects not only enrich academic outcomes but also foster a deeper sense of belonging, agency, and ecological responsibility among learners. Ultimately, this strategy positions nature as a vital partner in the educational journey, helping schools evolve into vibrant ecosystems of care, creativity, and transformation.
Promote active teaching methodologies
Promote active teaching methodologies that drive educational innovation and empower students with essential competences through an ecosocial lens. This involves implementing learner-centered approaches such as project-based learning, cooperative learning, inquiry-based instruction, and experiential education that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. These methodologies should be designed to integrate real-world challenges—especially those related to environmental sustainability, social justice, and ethical responsibility—into the learning process. By fostering ecological awareness, civic engagement, and systems thinking, educators can cultivate students’ capacity to act as informed, responsible, and compassionate global citizens. The goal is to create dynamic learning environments that not only adapt to the complexities of the 21st century but also contribute to shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
