In the Forest as in the Classroom

Summary

“In the Forest as in the Classroom” transforms the forest into an innovative learning environment where students develop essential life skills through experiential, interdisciplinary and collaborative learning. By connecting schools, forest experts and local communities, the project empowers teachers to become innovators and creates meaningful learning experiences that strengthen scientific literacy, environmental responsibility, creativity and active citizenship.

“The project showed me new ways of teaching. The forest became a learning space where pupils explore, collaborate and gain new skills. The handbook and project experience inspired me to create my own outdoor learning activities.” 

Topic(s) addressed

• Forest-based learning
• Scientific literacy
• Environmental and climate change education
• Biodiversity and ecosystem awareness
• Sustainability
• Active citizenship
• Interdisciplinary learning 
• Innovative teaching approaches

Target group(s)  

• Educators (1000)
• Teachers (800)
• Educational staff (100)
• Forest pedagogues (50) 

Methodologies used

The project introduces an innovative forest-based learning approach combining experiential learning, play, inquiry-based methods and holistic education. Teachers and educators became active co-creators: they attended training, tested activities, shared practices, reflected on their experiences and contributed to an interactive e-handbook containing practical forest education activities. 

The project connects formal, non-formal and informal learning through cooperation between schools, forest pedagogues, environmental educators and external specialists. Learners develop key competences through direct experience, exploration, cooperation and reflection. 

Forest activities were adapted for children with disabilities, with support from special education professionals, to ensure their participation and equal access to learning opportunities. 

Innovation environment

The project created an innovative learning environment by transforming the forest into a shared space for education, cooperation and knowledge exchange. All project seminars and international meetings were organised outdoors, enabling participants to directly experience forest-based learning methods. The partnership connected schools, scientific institutions, local communities, NGOs, educational organisations and creative practitioners. 

Representatives from different sectors actively participated in training sessions, shared expertise and co-created new practices. Local educators from schools and kindergartens joined project events, extending the impact beyond the partnership. The project promotes sustainable learning through the use of natural and renewable resources.

Teachers’ role

Teachers and educators became active innovators throughout the project. They developed their skills through training delivered by experienced forest pedagogues, researchers and other project partners. After gaining new knowledge, they took an active role in designing and leading outdoor workshops for project partners and external participants, with some educators taking on this role for the first time. 

Through peer learning, reflection and feedback, they continuously improved their activities and gained the confidence to develop their own forest pedagogy practices. Their experiences and needs were incorporated into the interactive e-handbook through collaborative work in multidisciplinary groups. During the project, educators began to develop their own forest pedagogy initiatives, putting their newly acquired knowledge directly into practice. 

Impact and output

The project strengthened teachers’, educators’ and learners’ competences for forest-based and outdoor learning. Each transnational meeting included open seminars for teachers, educators, parents and other professionals, who participated in learning and evaluation. The project created a community of practice by establishing a network of forest pedagogues from Croatia and Slovenia and connecting organisations experienced in outdoor education. External institutions shared their practices and contributed to knowledge exchange. The interactive e-handbook, published in Croatian and Slovenian, supports further transfer of knowledge. New forest pedagogy initiatives demonstrate the project’s sustainability and impact beyond the partnership. 

Learn more about the project