Module 1: Introduction to Non-Formal Education

This short course adopts a hands-on methodology that combines practical engagement with interactive discussions and the sharing of personal experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to actively engage in various outdoor activities, within the context of Blue Spaces, while also participating in discussions and exchanging their own experiences. The course aims to provide a blended learning approach that integrates hands-on experiences with reflective dialogue, creating a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment. By incorporating both experiential learning and meaningful discussions, participants will gain a well-rounded understanding of how outdoor environments, especially those within the context of Blue Spaces can be utilised to address challenges like loneliness, grief, and anxiety.

MQF/EQF: 4
ECTS Value: 1
Duration:
Contact Hours: 30
Self-Study Hours: 60
Supervised: 5
Assessment Hours: 5

Learning Outcomes:

Competencies
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
a. Develop a sense of responsibility for personal emotional well-being and mental health while engaging in outdoor activities, including strategies to manage anxiety, grief, and loneliness.
b. Cultivate autonomy by taking ownership of one’s emotional experiences and actively seeking healthy coping mechanisms during outdoor activities to address anxiety, grief, and loneliness.
c. Foster a sense of responsibility towards creating a supportive and inclusive environment within outdoor activities, where participants can openly address and discuss their experiences of anxiety, grief, and loneliness.
d. Develop a sense of collaboration and teamwork.
e. Carry out tasks in groups in which participants need to find different strategies to tackle a given task.

Knowledge
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
a. Understand terms such as loneliness, grief and anxiety.
b. Define the terms loneliness, grief and anxiety.
c. Understand the therapeutic benefits of outdoor environments. Participants will gain knowledge about the positive impact that outdoor spaces can have on mental health and well-being, particularly in addressing issues such as loneliness, grief, and anxiety.
d. Understand the causes of loneliness, grief and anxiety.
e. Explore various models and approaches that deal with loneliness, grief and anxiety.
f. Identify strategies which respond to loneliness, grief and anxiety.
g. Identify suitable outdoor activities: Participants will learn to identify and select appropriate activities within outdoor environments that are effective in addressing the specific challenges faced by young people.
h. Understand the basic health and safety measures for each and every activity.
i. Demonstrate the ability to apply the health and safety measures in the practical activities

Skills
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a. Enhance self-awareness and self-regulation skills by recognizing and acknowledging personal emotions related to anxiety, grief, and loneliness during outdoor activities, and actively taking steps to address and manage these emotions in a responsible and autonomous manner.
b. Enhance communication skills including verbal and non-verbal.
c. Develop new skills in communication without talking.
d. Guiding outdoor activities while engaging the support of other professionals where necessary.
e. Show basic critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
f. Show ability to develop important skills such as decision-making and/or leadership skills during the course of activities.

Mode of Delivery

This module utilizes a blended learning approach, by combining theoretical concepts with practical applications. The sessions within this module will consist of presentations, discussions, hands-on practice, and interactive activities. Learners will have the opportunity to explore understanding of how outdoor environments, especially those within the context of Blue Spaces can be utilised to address challenges like loneliness, grief, and anxiety. Learners will be engaged in group work and discussions to exchange ideas and experiences.

Throughout the course, participants will actively apply the concepts learned into their specific areas and will receive feedback and guidance from instructors and peers to enhance their understanding.

Assessment

Attendance is compulsory since this module requires the active participation of the learners (10% of the overall mark). The participants’ learning progress will be assessed through their active participation in discussions, group activities, and assignments. Oral feedback and support will be provided throughout the teaching and learning process.

Each learner will keep a reflection journal of the sessions being delivered during this module. The purpose of this journal is to reflect on their reactions, insights, and critical analyses. Participants will be requested to share in a group what they have attained during the sessions of this module. For this module, the learner is expected to present an in-depth reflection on the learning outcomes and themes of this course.

At the end of the module the participants are given an evaluation sheet to help them reflect on whether the learning outcomes have been achieved.