Professional Development for Outdoor Learning
No matter where you are in your outdoor learning journey, there is always something new to learn. Finding high-quality events or activities related to professional development for outdoor learning might seem like a bit of a challenge. However, once you know where to start you will find that there is an abundance of professional learning events and resources out there.
It’s totally normal if you feel a bit nervous about joining a course or event, especially if you don’t consider yourself to be an “outdoorsy teacher.” You will find that the outdoor learning crowd is very welcoming and passionate about what they do. If you are just getting started or even a seasoned pro, you will find both connection and inspiration through these professional development events
Professional Development for Outdoor Learning Ideas:
Practical Professional Development for Outdoor Learning
First Aid Courses
No matter what you teach, having a current first aid course should be a priority. Outdoor learning is not dangerous, however, accidents can happen when your students are actively exploring in nature. A first aid course can give you the skills and confidence to deal with minor injuries and emergencies when you are away from the support of the school. Additionally, the course will teach you how to use all of the fancy equipment that you have in your first aid kit. Many organizations offer standard first-aid courses throughout the year.
Skill Based Courses
Skills such as orienteering, bushcraft, or outdoor cooking are fun ways to engage your students outdoors. However, if these skills are new to you (or you haven’t done them since you were a kid) taking a course to help you brush up on your skills is a great way to boost your confidence. Additionally, I have found that through taking these courses I have come back with new ideas and ways to teach my students these new skills.
Skill Certification Courses
If teaching a specific skill such as canoeing or cross-country skiing is a part of your program, consider getting certified in that skill. These courses are often standardized by a governing body and provide levels of certification to meet your needs. For courses look for the websites of the governing body for the particular activity. (For example for Paddle Canada is the main organization for canoeing and kayaking in Canada.) Often they will have links to businesses, instructors, or upcoming courses.
Courses on how to maintain or repair specific equipment might also be necessary if your program involves using activity-specific equipment. For example, a basic bicycle maintenance course might be very helpful if your class uses bicycles as a way to get around and explore their community.
Outdoor Leadership Courses
For teachers who may be taking students into the wilderness or on extended trips, an outdoor leadership course/certification can provide you with the tools you need to navigate tricky situations when you are away from civilization. You will need to check in with local organizations for the courses that they offer and the dates.
Gardening Courses
Gardening is a great way to help students make a connection to the land and the food that they eat. However, not all of us are born with a green thumb. Many gardening organizations offer courses on everything from permaculture to becoming a master gardener. These courses will be specific to your area and provide you with tips for your growing conditions. Getting some knowledge from the experts is a great way to get your school garden thriving.
Webinars and Online Courses
Webinars and online courses are a great way to learn on your own time and from the comfort of your own home. You will find tons of different organizations that offer both free and paid courses that are geared towards outdoor learning or taking learning outside. A great place to start for both free webinars and paid courses geared towards outdoor learning is takemeoutside.ca or the Outdoor Learning Store.
Learning About Local Nature
Local Conservation Centers/Organizations
A great way to start to learn more about your local environment is to learn from some of the experts at your local conservation centers or nature preserves. Often these centers run field trips but also have programming for adults.
Short Courses
You may find that local organizations in your area or even your local university offer “short courses” on specific topics related to outdoor learning. Check out environmental groups, conservation groups, or other clubs to find course offerings. These are also a great way to meet like-minded individuals or connect with experts in your area.
Online Options
Similar to short courses, you may find that local organizations may have online offerings such as online certification courses, webinars, or short-courses.
Networking Events for Outdoor Learning
Conferences
Sometimes it may feel like you are the only teacher in your school or even area who takes learning outside. This is why conferences are one of my favourite professional development activities. At conferences, you have the ability to meet and learn from other teachers who take their learning outside (sometimes even from other parts of the world.) You have the opportunity to learn from other teachers and find out how they do things.
Online Groups
Online groups or forums are another great way to meet other teachers who enjoy taking things outside. You may have regional groups that you are able to join or perhaps national or international groups that you can become a part of. Having others to share questions or debrief experiences with is often necessary when you are doing something that is new or “outside of the box” of what other teachers are doing.
Joining Organizations
Becoming a member of a local organization either related to outdoor learning or another outdoor-specific activity is also a great way to meet like-minded people.
Getting Fully Certified
If you are ready to fully dive in to outdoor learning, becoming fully certified or having additional education can go a long ways in providing validation and credibility to your program. I have found that taking higher-level courses has completely changed how I see outdoor learning and my own teaching practice. You may find that these professional development courses are life-changing.
Forest School Certification
Forest School is a very specific way of taking learning outside. It is a child-centered approach that invites students to explore the natural area in their own way. As “risky play” is an element of forest school, a large focus of the certification is on ensuring site safety and child safety. Being certified as a forest school practitioner (or a similar certification) can provide an element of credibility to your program or teaching practice. This can be especially necessary if you have administrators that are not totally on board with outdoor learning.
Higher Education Degrees
For teachers of older students, getting a higher education degree in outdoor learning, place-based learning, adventure learning, or something similar might be the professional development you are looking for. Again, having a degree in outdoor learning provides a tremendous amount of weight and credibility to what you are doing as an outdoor educator. The learning that takes place in these degrees might also be paradigm-shifting, allowing you to fully embrace outdoor learning in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Professional Reading
Of course, there is always professional reading as an often underrated form of professional development! Diving into a good book is a great way to find new ideas or fresh perspectives on things. A few of my favourite books are:
Now Start Learning…
Hopefully, this list has provided you with some ideas of where to get started with your professional development for outdoor learning. As a lifelong learner, I love finding a new event or conference that I can attend and learn from others. With a little bit of inspiration from a conference or a book, you can transform your outdoor teaching practicing into something amazing for both you and your students.
If you are new to outdoor learning, why not check out our “Get Outside Tool Kit.” This free tool kit will provide you with templates, worksheets, and information on getting started with outdoor learning safely.
Keep Reading….
- Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Learning
- Outdoor Education for Non-Outdoorsy Teachers
- Outdoor Learning Benefits for Teachers: Why Teachers Need Time Outside Too!
