FRI200 Oudoor Activities. How to Use Nature in Children's Learning and Development

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Bachelor's Programme in Pre-school Education
• Bachelor's Programme in Pre-school Education

Teaching language

Norwegian

Prerequisites

To be able to start in the 3rd year of study, the students must have completed and passed a minimum of 60 credits from the first two years of study. Children's development, play and learning (BUL100, 20 credits) and Nature, health and movement (NHB100, 20 credits) must be included in these.

Recommended prerequisites

SRE100 Society, religion, beliefs and ethics

STM100 Language, text, and mathematics

KKK100 Art, culture, and creativity

Course contents

The course Outdoor Activities is research based, professionally oriented and includes knowledge of the following main areas:

• Children and nature

• Body and movement

• Nature study and ecology

• Education for sustainable development

The course should stimulate educational work with children and young people outdoors. This means that the students should gain experience of being in different natural environments with children. They will learn about the diversity and relations in nature as well as mastering potential physical, mental, and social challenges. They will be trained in seeing the opportunities for movement, play, experience and wonder in local environments and imparting educational development work connected to children-nature themes as well as education for sustainable development.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

On successful completion of the course, the student will: 

• have knowledge of nature as a resource for children's holistic growth and development

• have broad knowledge of children's enjoyment of nature, play and learning in different natural environments and seasons

• know the nature playground

• have broad knowledge of nature as an arena for health-promoting activities

• have knowledge of body, physical activity, motor skills, movement and exercise

• be familiar with nature views, eco-philosophy, human use and abuse of nature

• have knowledge of single and multicellular organisms, life processes and the basis of life on earth

• have knowledge of plant, fungal and animal groups, species science and evolution

• have knowledge of ecology, connection between different ecosystems

• be familiar with education for sustainable development 

 

Skills

On successful completion of the course, the student will: 

• be able to quality assess outdoor areas and the local environment

• be able to assess safety and risk elements in the outdoor play environment

• be able to plan, implement and evaluate pedagogical development work in the local environment and promote education for sustainable development

• know field methodology,how to move effeciently in terrain and outdoor life

• be able to use the opportunities that exist in the local environment for outdoor activities and science activities with children

General competence

On successful completion of the course, the student will: 

• be able to initiate, lead and interact to realize goals related to children's development

• be able to stimulate children's curiosity, sensory experiences, coping, concept development, movement play and physical activity

• be able to reflect upon their own professional practice in a holistic didactic context and from a sustainable perspective

Examination requirements

• Passed practice

• Approved presentation of educational development work (group)

• Approved reports, individually and in groups

• Participation in compulsory education

See the semester schedule for more information.

Teaching methods

Teaching methods alternates between theoretical and practical teaching. During the course students will be grouped in different ways regarding contents and work forms. Teaching will be organized as study groups, excursions, lab work, practical work, lectures, project work, and problem based learning. The use of digital tools is included. In their teaching practice the students gain experience in principles for educational development work in accordance with current national and local plans.

Compulsory attendance requirements must be met (a minimum of 70% participation). Excursions, laboratory work and kindergarten practice require 100% participation.

Further descriptions of content in teaching, as well as content and progression in practice can be found in semester plans and at www.uia.no/praksisblu

The student workload is estimated to approx. 800 hours.

Evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Assessment methods and criteria

One final grade will be given based on the following examinations:

• A biotope report in group (50 % of the final grade)

• An individual oral examination (50 % of the final grade).

Students must pass the main areas in Outdoor Activities

For detailed information see the semester plan.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course	Reduction of Credits
FRI106 – Outdoor Activities. How to Use Nature in Children's Learning and Development.	30