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Introduction to Place Based Outdoor Education

Introduction to Place Based Outdoor Education - Available at University of Iceland

Do you want to experience sailing, learn about heritage and exploring Reykjavik as a place in Iceland? 

Place based education is a learning that is rooted in the stories of what is local; the unique history, environment, culture, economy, literature, and art of a particular place. In this course, the local community provides the context for learning; an experiential approach is used with the perspective of “sailing, seashore and our maritime heritage”.

Student work focuses on the community; the stories, culture and interests, and community members will, with educators from the university, serve as resources and partners in the teaching and the learning process. The course is intended to develop curiosity; about people, places and questions.

A pedagogy of place in outdoor education allows us to discover and inhabit the world in a manner that acknowledges the historical roots and cultural connections to the stories of our people. As such this moves outdoor education and recreation practice into the 21st century and moves beyond what was the dominant UK (western) paradigm of imperialistic, white, masculine, colonization of outdoor spaces as wild landscapes to be conquered. As such place connection, and place responsiveness, helps develop a deeper understanding, respect and care of these places. By connecting with the stories of the past and present it is possible to conceive of what the future stories may be.

These new perspectives and understanding help students to consider the bigger questions around global issues; environmental justice, sustainability and social justice.

More information here.



Course structure and dates

The course is based on the active participation of everyone. The preparation date is at the end of June (also online). The course is for six days in the first half of August and is based on teaching all day and we are outside a lot.

The course takes place a lot outside. The aim is to go to sea, experience the tide and coastline, get to know new aspects of Reykjavík and go to the island Viðey and to Grótta.

The year 2024 the course takes place from the 7th to 9th and 12th to 14th of August and is based on teaching throughout the day and is based on teaching throughout the day. Preparation day 26th of June at 16.30-18 (optional to attend in Teams).



Video - First day of the course