A child holding a toad.

Wild Pedagogies in Preschool Teacher Education

Semester programme

This is a course for those of you who love nature and outdoor life. During the course you will learn more about the Norwegian tradition of outdoor education (friluftsliv) in a pedagogical context, nature studies, sustainable development, and how these perspectives can be integrated in early childhood education.

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    How to apply

    Admission and how to apply

    Admission

    Completed 60 ECTS (one-year higher education)

    The course is grounded in principles from Wild Pedagogies and the Norwegian tradition of outdoor life (friluftsliv) and ecophilosophy, with a particular emphasis on relationships between children, educators and the more-than-human world. The course explores the value of nature experiences in early childhood and introduces nature studies, biodiversity and education for sustainability as important foundations for children’s understanding of and engagement with the natural world.

    Successful completion of the course qualifies for 30 ECTS credits.

    Teaching

    Outdoor activities are an integral part of the course. Through excursions, seminars and practical work, students explore different natural environments as learning spaces for interdisciplinary activities in early childhood education, with particular attention to nature studies and sustainability perspectives.  The course also includes 10 days of practice in kindergarten or related institutions.

    This course requires appropriate clothing and equipment for outdoor activities in varied weather conditions and nature environments.

    A child looks into a bucket. Photo: Kari Grutle Nappen.