Principles and Practices for Fostering Environmental Literacy

Course overview

This comprehensive 5-day course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively incorporate environmental education into their teaching practices. Participants will explore the principles and methods of environmental education, gaining a deep understanding of its significance in shaping environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.

The course will delve into the fundamental concepts of environmental education, examining its role in promoting awareness, understanding, and action towards environmental issues. Participants will learn how to integrate environmental themes and topics across various subject areas, fostering a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to environmental literacy.

Emphasis will be placed on practical applications and hands-on activities, enabling participants to develop engaging and interactive lessons that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and active participation among students. Participants will explore various teaching methodologies, such as experiential learning, inquiry-based approaches, and project-based learning, to create immersive and meaningful learning experiences.

The course will also address the importance of incorporating local and cultural contexts into environmental education, providing participants with opportunities to explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of Čakovec and Međimurje County. Participants will learn how to leverage these local resources to create relevant and engaging learning experiences that resonate with students’ lived experiences.

To enhance the learning experience and provide a cultural 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 environmental education

Icebreakers and networking activities
Introduction to the course and participants
Overview of the course methodology and expectations
Exploring the principles and significance of environmental education
Understanding the role of environmental education in shaping environmentally conscious citizens
Group discussions: Sharing personal experiences and challenges in incorporating environmental themes into teaching practices

Day 2: Environmental themes and interdisciplinary approaches

Integrating environmental themes across various subject areas
Fostering a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to environmental literacy
Hands-on activities: Developing engaging and interactive environmental education lessons

Day 3: Teaching methodologies and cultural exploration

Experiential learning and inquiry-based approaches in environmental education
Project-based learning and its applications in environmental education
Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English to explore local heritage and sustainability practices
Post-visit activities: Incorporating local and cultural contexts into environmental education lessons

Day 4: Environmental issues and community engagement

Addressing local and global environmental issues in the classroom
Strategies for promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship
Hands-on activities: Developing community-based environmental education projects

Day 5: Assessment and course wrap-up

Assessing environmental literacy and evaluating the effectiveness of environmental education programs
Presentations: Participants share their environmental education 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 the principles and significance of environmental education in shaping environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.
Integrate environmental themes and topics across various subject areas, fostering a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to environmental literacy.
Develop engaging and interactive environmental education lessons that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and active participation among students.
Implement various teaching methodologies, such as experiential learning, inquiry-based approaches, and project-based learning, to create immersive and meaningful learning experiences in environmental education.
Incorporate local and cultural contexts into environmental education lessons, leveraging the rich natural and cultural heritage of Čakovec and Međimurje County.
Address local and global environmental issues in the classroom, promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Design community-based environmental education projects that foster active participation and environmental stewardship among students and the broader community.
Assess environmental literacy and evaluate the effectiveness of environmental education programs, utilizing appropriate assessment strategies.
Collaborate with fellow educators to share best practices, strategies, and resources for incorporating environmental education into teaching practices.
Develop a comprehensive action plan for integrating environmental education into their teaching practices, promoting environmental literacy and fostering a sustainable future.

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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