Eco-Conscious Classrooms and Sustainable Education

Course overview

This immersive 5-day course is designed to empower educators with the knowledge, strategies, and practical approaches to incorporate positive green practices and sustainability principles into their classrooms. Teachers play a crucial role in communicating a progressive green message to younger generations, and this course aims to equip them with the tools to integrate lessons about sustainability and positive climate action into their everyday teaching.

The course will delve into the analysis of ways to integrate climate-positive practices into the classroom, exploring practical methods to create an eco-friendly learning environment. Participants will learn strategies for exploring green topics with their students, including creative projects and activities that foster environmental awareness and responsibility.

Emphasis will be placed on evaluating materials and resources that can be used to develop green approaches in the classroom. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in workshop sessions, where they can reflect on how to integrate green activities into their teaching and share ideas with fellow participants. The course will also provide opportunities for participants to enhance their English language skills through content-based lessons, enabling them to communicate effectively about environmental topics and sustainable practices.

To enhance the learning experience and provide a local context, the course will incorporate a guided cultural visit within Čakovec and Međimurje County. This visit will allow participants to explore local heritage sites, sustainable initiatives, or eco-conscious organizations, drawing inspiration and practical examples for integrating environmental education into their teaching practices.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Introduction to cco-conscious classrooms

  • Icebreakers and networking activities
  • Introduction to the course and participants
  • Overview of the course methodology and expectations
  • Exploring the importance of integrating green practices into classrooms
  • Group discussions: Sharing personal experiences and challenges in promoting environmental awareness in educational settings

Day 2: Creating an eco-friendly learning environment

  • Analyzing ways to integrate climate-positive practices into classrooms
  • Practical strategies for making classrooms eco-friendly spaces
  • Hands-on activities: Designing eco-friendly classroom layouts and materials

Day 3: Exploring green topics and cultural exploration

  • Strategies for exploring green topics with students
  • Creative projects and activities for environmental education
  • Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English to explore local heritage and sustainability practices
  • Post-visit activities: Incorporating local practices and insights into environmental education lessons

Day 4: Evaluating green resources and community engagement

  • Evaluating materials and resources for developing green approaches in the classroom
  • Forming green communities and connecting with other organizations
  • Educating others and promoting individual responsibility

Day 5: Sharing inclusive stories and ethical considerations

  • Lesson planning for the green classroom
  • Examples of inspiring environmental projects and activities
  • Presentations: Participants share their green lesson plans and projects
  • Course evaluation and feedback
  • Certification ceremony

The classes typically run from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, with the afternoon and evening reserved for self-reflection and individual study. However, the course schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of the participants and the availability of instructors or external learning locations. Participants will receive the finalized schedule well in advance, allowing ample time for preparation and planning.

Learning outcomes:

The participants will be able to:

  • Analyze ways to integrate climate-positive practices into their classrooms, fostering a culture of environmental awareness and sustainability.
  • Implement practical strategies to create eco-friendly learning spaces that promote sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
  • Design creative projects and activities that explore green topics with students, encouraging critical thinking and active participation in environmental education.
  • Evaluate materials and resources that can be used to develop green approaches in the classroom, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
  • Incorporate local practices, insights, and sustainable initiatives observed during the guided cultural visit into their environmental education lessons and projects.
  • Develop strategies for forming green communities, connecting with other organizations, and educating others about individual responsibility towards environmental sustainability.
  • Create engaging lesson plans and outdoor projects that integrate environmental education, inspiring students to take action and contribute to a greener future.
  • Collaborate with fellow educators to share best practices, strategies, and resources for cultivating eco-conscious classrooms and promoting sustainable education.
  • Effectively communicate about environmental topics and sustainable practices in the English language.
  • Develop a comprehensive action plan for integrating green practices and sustainability principles into their teaching practices, fostering eco-conscious classrooms and promoting environmental stewardship among students.

Course fee:

  • 400 euro per participant (covered entirely by the Erasmus grant)

Course fee includes:

  • At least 25 hours of course content;
  • Course materials;
  • Certificate of participation;
  • Europass, on request;
  • Learning / Mobility Agreement;
  • Visits to local institutions, if available;
  • Personalized support;
  • Free high-speed WIFI internet at the POU Čakovec premises;
  • Refreshments;
  • Administration costs;
  • Dissemination materials.
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