Scottish Government as part of its educational recovery strategy, and as recognition of the benefits of Outdoor Learning, they have funded the development of two online training courses. The Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education (SAPOE) worked with Education Officers from Education Scotland to develop the Teaching Learning Outdoors and Supporting Learning Outdoors Courses for teaching staff and support staff.
Teaching Learning Outdoors
The Teaching Learning Outdoors (TLO) course supports teachers to deliver curriculum learning in an outdoor context. During the course there is opportunity to develop an understanding of the benefits of learning outdoors, key resources and policy, and how to access them to enable delivery of high-quality outdoor learning. The course also covers pedagogy and practical solutions for delivering learning outdoors, as well as creating an action plan for applying the new knowledge gained.
The TLO module is available on the Education Scotland Professional Learning and Leadership Platform site: Log In | Education Scotland PLL
To 23 March 2021 nationally 389 modules were in progress and 490 modules completed.
Supporting Learning Outdoors
The Supporting Learning Outdoors course is for anyone who has a role in supporting the delivery of curricular based outdoor learning. Aimed at classroom assistants, volunteers, instructors, third sector and private organisations, or anyone who wants to work in partnerships with schools to deliver meaningful outdoor learning experiences. The course will help participants to gain an understanding of the Curriculum for Excellence, and the framework for delivering this to pupils, as well as providing resources and ideas to assist good partnership working.
To 23 March 2021 nationally 414 courses were in progress and 279 courses completed.
The SLO course is available on the SAPOE web site: Supporting Learning Outdoors.
Further Training and Help
Here is a short video which was made for the Teaching Learning Outdoor webinars showing what Outdoor Learning can be:
SAPOE What is Outdoor Learning – YouTube
If you need more help, advice or training to develop outdoor learning in your school or class Tim and Isi can help
