Topic / Theme
Environmental education, sustainability, climate awareness, responsible citizenship, experiential and place-based learning, non-formal methods, and integrating green practices into educational environments.
Course description
Green Minds: Inspiring Environmental Awareness in Education is a practical and reflective training course designed for teachers, trainers, and education professionals who want to integrate environmental awareness and sustainable practices into their teaching.
The course explores how education can play a key role in shaping environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviours. Participants experience non-formal and experiential learning methods that make environmental topics accessible, engaging, and relevant for learners of all ages.
Through hands-on activities, outdoor learning, and collaborative design, educators learn how to connect environmental education with everyday life, local communities, and curriculum objectives, fostering long-term impact beyond the classroom.
Objectives
- To increase awareness of environmental challenges and sustainability in education
- To develop competences for teaching environmental and climate-related topics
- To introduce non-formal and experiential methods for environmental education
- To support active citizenship and responsible environmental behaviour
- To encourage learner engagement through real-life and place-based learning
- To integrate environmental education into formal and non-formal curricula
- To promote a whole-school and community approach to sustainability
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Understand key concepts related to environmental education and sustainability
- Be able to design and implement engaging environmental learning activities
- Use non-formal and outdoor methods to teach environmental topics
- Connect curriculum objectives with real-life environmental challenges
- Promote environmentally responsible attitudes among learners
- Integrate sustainability practices into their educational institutions
- Develop an action plan for environmental education and awareness
Detailed programme of the mobility period
Day 1 – Foundations of Environmental Education
Module content:
- Environmental education and sustainability: key concepts and global challenges
- Education for sustainable development and active citizenship
- Environmental awareness in schools and educational institutions
- Linking environmental education with learners’ everyday realities
Day 2 – Experiential and Outdoor Learning for Environmental Awareness
Module content:
- Learning by doing in environmental education
- Outdoor education as a tool for environmental learning
- Using nature, local spaces, and communities as learning resources
- Adapting environmental activities to different age groups and contexts
Day 3 – Climate Change, Responsibility & Active Citizenship
Module content:
- Understanding climate change and its impact at local and global level
- Personal and collective responsibility for environmental protection
- Encouraging critical thinking and eco-conscious decision-making
- Youth and community engagement in environmental action
Day 4 – Non-Formal Tools for Sustainability and Green Practices
Module content:
- Non-formal education methods for environmental topics
- Project-based learning, simulations, and role-play on sustainability issues
- Promoting sustainable habits in schools: waste reduction, recycling, energy use
- Creativity and innovation in environmental education
Day 5 – Transfer to Practice, Action Planning & Dissemination
Module content:
- Integrating environmental education into school curricula and activities
- Designing environmental action plans adapted to participants’ institutions
- Community involvement and partnerships for sustainability
- Reflection, dissemination of results, and validation of learning outcomes
Methodology
The course is based on non-formal, experiential, and outdoor learning approaches. Participants actively engage in hands-on activities, group work, reflection sessions, and collaborative design workshops. Each learning experience follows a cycle of action, reflection, and transfer to practice, ensuring relevance and applicability.
Target group
Teachers (all levels), trainers, adult educators, VET professionals, school leaders, and education staff interested in environmental education, sustainability, and innovative teaching approaches.
Certification
Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance and Europass Mobility, in line with Erasmus+ requirements.
Pedagoplus 