Course description
This course is designed for teachers, trainers, and education professionals who want to move beyond traditional classroom teaching and actively engage learners through non-formal education methods.
Participants will explore how learning can take place in diverse contexts, using experiential, collaborative, and learner-centred approaches. The training focuses on practical tools that increase motivation, participation, and inclusion, while supporting meaningful learning experiences that connect education to real life.
The course combines theory with hands-on practice, reflection, and collaborative work, allowing participants to experience non-formal education as learners and to transfer the methods directly into their own professional context.
Main topics
- Principles of non-formal education and learner-centred approaches
- Experiential learning and learning by doing
- Motivation, engagement, and active participation
- Inclusion, diversity, and equal participation through non-formal methods
- Learning beyond the classroom: outdoor and community-based learning
- Adapting non-formal activities to different age groups and learning needs
Learning objectives
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the role and value of non-formal education in modern learning environments
- Design and facilitate engaging non-formal learning activities
- Increase learner motivation, involvement, and ownership of learning
- Use non-formal methods to support inclusion and diversity
- Apply non-formal education approaches in schools, adult education, VET, and community settings
Detailed programme of the mobility period
Day 1 – Introduction to Non-Formal Learning & Inclusion
Module content:
- Definition and core principles of non-formal education. Comparison between formal, non-formal, and informal learning
- Inclusion, integration, identity, and sense of belonging in educational settings
- Ice-breakers and team-building methods in intercultural groups
- Needs and expectations analysis and establishment of group agreements for non-formal learning
Day 2 – Communication, Culture & Learner Engagement
Module content:
- Communication styles (assertive, passive, aggressive) and their impact on learning environments
- Non-verbal communication, active listening, empathy, and reflective practices in education
- Cultural values, diversity, intercultural dialogue, and inclusive attitudes
- Non-formal communication tools adapted to diverse learner groups
Day 3 – Group Dynamics, Motivation & Non-Formal Tools
Module content:
- Intra- and inter-group dynamics. Building trust, self-esteem, and group identity
- Motivation in learning, including motivational models (e.g. ARCS) and scaffolding participation and creativity
- Non-formal tools and methods: games, simulations, experiential learning activities, indoor and outdoor tasks
Day 4 – Applying Non-Formal Methods for Inclusion & Creativity
Module content:
- Understanding exclusion, barriers to participation, and learners’ diverse realities
- Non-formal approaches supporting learners with fewer opportunities: peer learning, project-based learning, forum theatre, outdoor education
- Creativity in education: stimulating divergent thinking, collaboration, and learner ownership
Day 5 – Transfer to Practice, Dissemination & Planning
Module content:
- Planning the integration of non-formal methods into participants’ educational contexts
- Stakeholder involvement and institutional culture change
- Dissemination of results, sharing good practices, and building communities of practice at local and European level
- Reflection, self-assessment, validation of learning outcomes, and certification
Pedagoplus 