How can outdoor learning and diverse learning environments support inclusion, accessibility and wellbeing?

This course introduces participants to the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and explores how classrooms can be extended into outdoor spaces, nature and other inspiring learning environments. The course offers practical ideas, methods and inspiration for creating inclusive, accessible and engaging learning experiences for all learners.

During the course, participants will examine how nature and extended learning environments can support equity, differentiation, embodied learning, environmental education and sustainability competences. The programme combines expert input, workshops, reflection and hands-on activities in different environments. Participants are encouraged to connect the course themes with their own teaching context and to consider how outdoor and experiential learning can become a natural part of inclusive education.

Upcoming course dates

• 14–18 September 2026
• 7–11 June 2027
• 20–24 September 2027

Location

Helsinki, Finland

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for teachers, special needs teachers, teacher educators and pedagogical developers working in basic education and related educational contexts. It is especially suitable for education professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of inclusion and explore new ways of using outdoor and extended learning environments in their teaching.

The course is relevant for participants interested in inclusive education, Universal Design for Learning, environmental and sustainability education, differentiation, accessibility and wellbeing through nature-based learning.

Learning outcomes

During this course, you will deepen your understanding of inclusion and inclusive pedagogy. You will learn how diverse learning environments can support equity, accessibility and participation, and how the principles of Universal Design for Learning can be applied both indoors and outdoors.

You will also explore practical outdoor learning methods and gain ideas for differentiation in nature-based and extended classroom settings. The course will inspire you to use nature as a source of balance, wellbeing and learning, and to apply experiential and embodied approaches in your own educational work.

Course themes

The main themes of the course are:

• Universal Design for Learning, inclusion and differentiation
• outdoor learning and nature as a learning environment
• environmental education and sustainability competences
• accessibility, wellbeing and nature as a co-teacher

Preliminary programme

The course begins with an introduction to Universal Design for Learning, inclusion and differentiation. Participants will explore how learning can be designed from the beginning to support diverse learners and strengthen participation.

The second day  focuses on environmental education and sustainability competences. Through workshops and shared reflection, participants will consider how sustainability themes can be integrated into inclusive and future-oriented education.

On the third day, the focus shifts to nature as a learning environment. Participants will try out outdoor learning methods and examine how differentiation can be supported in nature-based settings. The programme may include a visit to Finnish Nature Centre Haltia. Please note that an entrance fee may apply.

The fourth day  explores how UDL principles can be applied outdoors and in the extended classroom. The programme includes a visit to Heureka Science Centre, where participants will reflect on learning in inspiring environments beyond the traditional classroom. Please note that the visit includes an additional fee of approximately 10 € per participant.

The final day  focuses on nature as a source of balance and wellbeing. Participants will reflect on their learning during the week and consider how to apply the course ideas in their own educational contexts.

Course methodology

The course combines lectures, practical workshops, study visits, a digital learning diary and a final exercise. Participants will receive digital course materials to support their learning throughout the course.

Registration

Registration is open continuously and closes approximately one week before the beginning of each course.

After registration, you will receive more information about the course and guidance on planning your trip to Finland. You will also receive an invoice according to the information provided in the registration form.

The course will be confirmed one month before the start date.

Please do not purchase travel tickets before you have received confirmation.

Course trainers

Ulla Myllyniemi

Ulla Myllyniemi is an outdoor education expert and environmental education specialist at SYKLI Environmental College. She is a class teacher, special needs teacher, trainer and lecturer with extensive experience in outdoor and environmental education, inclusive pedagogy and teacher training.

Ulla has contributed to numerous national and international projects and conferences. She is also a co-author of several Finnish publications on outdoor learning and a long-term advocate for outdoor education in Finland.

Katariina Mustonen

Katariina Mustonen is a special needs teacher and qualified principal. She has nearly 20 years of experience in teaching teenagers, teachers and school staff.

She specialises in pedagogy, inclusion and educational equity. Katariina also has extensive experience in differentiation and tailoring in vocational education and training. She has produced teaching materials and courses for several educational projects in Finland and Europe.

Training institution

SYKLI Environmental College is a national specialist vocational college in Finland. 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 study programme in Environmental Education for teachers and other education professionals. SYKLI also offers programmes in Circular Economy, Water Management, Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development.

OID: E10001261
PIC: 866835360