OUT OF THE BOX – Sustainability education in Finland 

This course is about sustainability education and a showcase on various methods and focus areas on green competencies and a sustainable society.  

• Interested in transforming your teaching into something that is more sustaining both for you, your target audience – and the planet?

• Dreaming of taking your teaching to new environments, perhaps outdoors, into diverse real life learning environments? 

• Needing pedagogical tools and hands-on activities?  

• Hoping to get more motivation and courage in taking up on sustainability issues both in your teaching and with your colleagues/ other adults? 

Pondering how to get started? Come and join us on this course in Helsinki. 

For whom?
The course is for teachers working in lower and upper secondary education, vocational schools, or adult education, as well as other professionals in different fields interested in course topics or content. The methods introduced during the course can be applied to many different age and target groups.  

Why choose the ‘OUT OF THE BOX – Sustainability education in Finland’ course?   

• Improve your understanding of key sustainability competences as per the European sustainability competence framework GreenComp.  

• Try out various inspiring methods you can directly apply in your own teaching.  

• Gain practical tools for sustainability education.  

• Learn how to use authentic learning environments in your teaching.  

• Exchange with and learn from other teachers from all over Europe.   
  
  

When?
The five-day course begins on Monday November 25 and ends on Friday November 29, 2024.   

Where?
In Helsinki, Finland, and nearby environments.  

By whom?
SYKLI Environmental College is a national specialist vocational college. We train professionals in different sectors to take concrete steps towards sustainability. Our aim is to build green competencies and increase the quality of sustainability education at all levels of the education system and throughout society. In Finland, SYKLI is known as a pioneer in environmental and sustainability education. SYKLI is the only institution in Finland offering a one-year-long study program in Environmental Education for teachers and other education professionals, as well as programs in Circular Economy, Water Management, Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development.  Our aim is to enhance green competencies and increase quality in environmental education in all levels of the education system and throughout the society!  

Course program: 

DAY 1: Monday. Sustainability can take us anywhere! 

• Arrival & registration 

• Welcome to Finland!  

• Some practical issues to make your life easier! 

• The adventurers – getting to know our staff & the group. 

• Getting to know Finland! 

• SYKLI Environmental College: Adult Vocational training – a Speedway to Green Transition? 

• LUNCH (at own expense) 

• Challenge of the Week: Tackling Sustainability Issues Through Education.  

DAY 2: Tuesday. Tackling sustainability issues through education  

• GREEN CAMP - Introducing the Green Competencies defined in the European sustainability competence framework GreenComp. How to promote and create sustainable capabilities in people? Adding new tools to your pedagogical sustainability toolbox.  

• LUNCH (at own expense) 

• OUTDOORS: Environmental Education is like riding a bike!  

• Familiarizing ourselves with the Bicycle Model invented by Finnish researchers.  

• What components are needed in Environmental Education to make an impact?  

• Voluntary evening activity: Traditional Finnish sauna 

DAY 3: Wednesday. Promoting well-being and sustainability competencies in nature 

• Travel to Nuuksio National Park, Espoo. 

• Finnish Nature - a guided tour in the exhibitions of Haltia Visitor Center 

• LUNCH “Flavours from Finland” (at own expense, or bring your own lunch) 

• Immersing in Nature. Finnish Forest Experience with multiple elements for your own well-being and stress management. 

• Coffee break in the woods: Carelian pie and other delicacies 

• Voluntary task on your own: Environmental Educator’s Amazing Pace (Outdoor recreation in small groups, instructions given – no supervision) 

DAY 4: Thursday.  Circular economy in practice 

• CIRCULA - Gamified learning about the circular economy  

• The Circula® Circular Economy and Entrepreneurship Game paints a picture of circular economy through creative teamwork. Circula® offers the players models for responsible business and sustainable lifestyle, self-awareness, and appreciation of one’s own strengths as well as hope for a better future. Circula® excites both young and old alike. It is suitable for learners of different levels from 15-year-olds to adults.  

• LUNCH (at own expense) 

• Excursions (choose 1, min. 7 participants required per excursion): 

• Environmental Education in Action - Visiting a Finnish Primary School or kindergarten 

• Circular Economy in the Society: Vantaa Energy incineration facility 

• Sustainable wastewater treatment: Viikinmäki wastewater treatment plant 

• Experiencing circular economy: Heureka kiertotehdas (Kiertotehdas – Heureka)  

• Outdoors: Excursion to PERHO Green City Farm 
   

 
DAY 5: Friday.  Inspiring others. Evaluation in Outdoor Mode. 

• Promoting sustainability at work: How to motivate and engage colleagues 

• Tools for reflection and evaluation. 

• LUNCH (at own expense) 

• OUTDOORS: Slowing down. Reflecting upon our learning journey. Course feedback  

• Course certificates, coffee, and cake. Thank you and goodbye!   

Course fee: As stated in the official documents of the Erasmus+ Programme, the course fee is 440 € (80 € per participant per day /400 € per person for a 5-day course + 40 € organizational costs. The course fee covers costs directly linked to the implementation of mobility activities, including monitoring and support of participants during the mobility and evaluation of learning outcomes. Any other cost will be covered by the applicant organization by using the grant received from the respective National Agency for individual and organizational support. The course fee must be paid by bank transfer before the course starts. The event will be confirmed one month prior to the beginning.  

More information:

Nina Maarit Partanen, SYKLI Environmental College
Phone: +378 44 4934 850
e-mail: ninamaarit.partanen@sykli.fi