The project had the ambitious approach to link basic knowledge of teaching outdoor learning combined with a subject-oriented focus on the one hand, and to connect teachers and educators in the field of non-formal education on the other.
The consortium succeeded in both of them. During the runtime of the project a course package was developed consisting of a first part which is directed to a theoretic foundation, and of a second one, the subject course, in which specific examples are given in the sense of best practice examples. Both courses have been tested in trial runs and were positively evaluated by the participants.
The results were merged into two manuals that can be beneficially used as guidelines for subsequent realisation by interested organizations. Besides the manuals more detailed information and teaching material for an easily realizable reproduction can be found at the projects’ homepage.
The co-education of the two target groups of educators in formal and non-formal education also had manifold positive effects. The participants’ skills and competencies in outdoor learning of the two target groups could be developed successfully. The attendees not only learned from the trainers but also from each other by intensive exchange of experiences regarding their former different points of view on outdoor learning.
Moreover this unique feature has brought together a consortium of partners form different fields of further training to creatively and efficiently work together. The composition of the consortium has shown to be wise and effective. Most partners already had wide experiences with outdoor learning from the outset and could ideally contribute their experiences. The others contributed especially theoretical and didactical knowledge respectively proficiency in cooperation with non-formal educators. Thus the course could be elaborated complementary and gainfully from many sides.
Finally, it can be stated that the project has given a useful example for a successful approach of further education which can be a flagship project for following approaches of further training.
UNESCO Geoparks Bureau Member & Geo-Project Factory Director: Guy Martini, UNESCO Geoparks International Expert
Evaluation of “In and Out” project, regarding the project results: book (Vol 1 and Vol 2), website project consortium, cooperation.
The project had an innovative approach in development of skills and competencies in outdoor learning of teachers and educators from formal and non-formal learning sectors. The foundation course and the subject course succeeded to train a relevant number of educators both from formal and non-formal sector (59 participants in total) and to create a network of educators in order to develop and support out of the classroom activities in four main subjects.
The two volumes are offering an overview of the formal and non-formal sectors and develop case studies as good practice for out of the classroom activities. The volumes are very useful both for formal and non-formal educators interested to develop outdoor activities related to school curriculum. The two volumes are a good base for further educational activities and could be extended for a more interdisciplinary approach; The web site (www.viauc.com/inandout) is presenting the project and its achievements and could be developed to become a site able to promote further activities (education and training) and products promotion. The project consortium opened their activities and results toward other networks and groups, an important one being the European Geopark Network (EGN).
The interest of EGN members for In & Out approach in outdoor learning was proved by the special place in the Arouca conference program (half a day for presentations and activities); An important contribution for outdoor activities is the use of the concept of place, especially in linking science (earth science) with language, physical education and mathematics. The place based education is supporting the geopark`s PPF concept (Present, Past, Future), meaning the vision of evolution in time of one territory, it`s dynamic and transformations in long time (geologic) time.
As a general conclusion, I consider the project successfully achieved its aims and objectives and relevant activities for cooperation and training were developed in all four partner countries assuring a good coverage of key representatives of the two target groups. The project results are very useful for further development of out of the classroom activities. The project team opened great possibilities for further cooperation with other institutions, territories and teams (geoparks, natural parks, museums, associations) and created a framework able to apply the results and develop new approaches in out of the classroom education.