Learning in Informal Environments
Informal learning is an important part of functional learning. Topics from different subjects can be included in the visits.
You can study and learn history, natural sciences, geography, culture, architecture, food culture etc.
Informal environments also teach how to behave and act in different situations.
Everything you see, feel and sense around you is also important. And these things can only be learned by visiting and getting to know different places.
Visits and Educational Visits
During the Students on the Move in Europe -project, the students got to know three different countries and visited seven different cities.
They also learn something about the school system in every country.
In Finland, the students got to know Valkeakoski, Tampere and capital city Helsinki.
In Helsinki they saw e.g. the Parliament House, Helsinki Cathedral and the Port of Helsinki.
They also learned something about glass manufacturing at the Iittala factory and Finland's most internationally known Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The students visited the frisbee golf course, the padel hall and the mini golf course.
In Italy the destinations of the visit were Como, Milan and Bellagio.
In Como, wonderful buildings in the city, the old town, the funicular Como-Brunate, lighthouse Faro Voltiano. Boat trip to Belagio, to the city that was built on the hillside, arrow alleys and stairs.
In Milan, students learned about Milan's history, famous Italian people and fashion.
In Slovenia, we got to know Celje and the capital Ljubljana. In Celje, we got a lot of information about the history of the city. We got to know the Celje Castle, the history and food culture of the Medieval time. The students also learned about archery and ax throwing.
With the help of the guide, we got to know the stalactite cave. Pekel Cave. We get lot of very interesting and thorough information abouts its history. We saw magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, as well bats on the ceiling.
Hiking Trips
Hiking and walking in nature is a very good exercise for balance and develops endurance. At the same time, in nature, you learn about different forest types, different special features of nature by observing and watching.
Along with the hike, different discussion topics can be added in pairs or groups. During the breaks, conversations can be broken down and topics can be discussed with the whole group. In the next stage, the subjects can be deepened and/or expanded, and the group composition can be changed.
During Students on the Move in Europe -project, on each visit the students got to know the nature of each country by hiking.
In Finland, we hiked in the Ritajärvi nature reserve.
The area is made up of three wilderness lakes, around which hiking trails meander through the landscapes of old forests. Our route went along duckboards and over the rocks which have formed during the Ice Age. The students could also try abseiling with ropes. In addition to the usual picnic lunches, we were treated to bread cheese and cloudberry jam.
In Italy, our hiking route was called Green Way. The route went along the edge of Lake Como, through villages, nature and beautiful views. Via Verde is an easy panoramic route, full of enchanting views. The route connects the towns of Moltrasio and Laglio. After the walking route, we continued by ferry to Bellagio.
In Slovenia, we got to know the Lovrensko lakes and Pohorje in the Maribor region. Hikers will be naturally awarded for their efforts as at there namely awaits a wonderful lake.One of the most attractive natural sights on Pohorje. A large part og the area is ovrgrown with dwarf pines and the are small wooden footbridges leading to some of the lakes. On the trip, we also got to know the Pohorje treetop walk.
City Orienteering
City orienteering exercises are a good way to get to know a new city, its history, buildings.
A QR-code, action track, etc. application can be used for the exercise. Information, search tasks can be added to the exercise.