WPE301 Wild pedagogies for preschool teacher education

Contents and structure

The course is grounded in principles from Wild Pedagogies, Frilufsliv; the Norwegian tradition of outdoor education, emphasizing relationships between children, educators and the more-than-human world. The course emphasizes the value of nature experiences and outdoor education in early childhood. The course explores how children develop their relationship with nature and how early experiences can foster lifelong environmental alliances. Through practical outdoor activities, experiential learning, nature studies, students investigate nature’s agency in this aspect.

The course provides additional qualifications for students in pre-school teacher education, teacher education, physical education, social work studies and environmental studies. Successful completion of the course qualifies for 30 ECTS credits.

The course is structured around excursions, theoretical studies and various practical works.

Learning Outcome

After completion of the course the student will have acquired the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of ecocentric friluftsliv in a pedagogical context
• has knowledge of Wild Pedagogies and experiential learning, including concepts such as letting go, place-responsiveness and more-than-human relations
• has knowledge of ecophilosophy and education for sustainability
• understands nature as a holistic environment for multidisciplinary learning, exploration and quality of life
• has knowledge of biodiversity and common nature types in Norway
• understands basic natural phenomena relevant to children’s curiosity and exploration
• knows sustainable and traditional methods of gathering natural resources (e.g., simple foraging)

Skills

The student

• can facilitate experiential learning activities involving open-ended play and exploration where uncertainty and child-led inquiry are embraced
• can plan, conduct and evaluate interdisciplinary outdoor learning activities based on Wild Pedagogies principles
• can use equipment, tools and sensory methods to support children’s engagement and curiosity in nature
• can create learning environments that encourage reflection on human-nature relationships
• can implement safe and sustainable harvesting practices in natural settings

General Competence

The student

• demonstrates ethical awareness, risk competence and responsibility in outdoor activities
• can lead and collaborate with staff and families to promote holistic learning through nature experiences
• can critically assess how nature-based pedagogies, including Wild Pedagogies, support children's self-development, quality of life and relationchip with nature

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Be prepared for overnight excursions in nature and be able to carry a backpack.

Teaching methods

• Excursions in various types of nature
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group- and individual work

Compulsory learning activities

To take the exam the students must:

• Participate in lectures, seminars, and practical activities in order to reflect on different pedagogies, didactics and methods of outdoor education

• Hand in the reports from:

  • Group report from excursions
  • Individual report from practice
• Master practical skills and show effort

The requirements for the different components will be specified in separate documents.

The obligatory assignments must be completed and approved in order for students to attend the exam.

Students who do not receive a passing grade on the obligatory assignments, will have one (1) opportunity to resubmit in the same semester, within a deadline set by the instructor.

Assessment

• Individual oral exam, 30 minutes. Part of total 49%.
• Practical exam. Part of total 39%.
• Group Assignment. Part of total 12%.

Grade scale A–F, where F corresponds to a fail.

All components must be approved in order to receive a grade in the course.

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material