In today’s rapidly changing world, it is essential that education evolves to meet the needs of both students and the planet. This is the driving idea behind OLGEA—Outdoor Learning of German and Environmental Awareness—an innovative project that merges language education with ecological learning in outdoor settings.
What is OLGEA?
OLGEA is an interdisciplinary learning approach designed for teachers and students of the German language, taking learning beyond the traditional classroom and into the great outdoors. The project uses outdoor learning activities to teach both German language skills and environmental consciousness, helping students connect language learning with the real world and fostering a deep respect for nature.
The Power of Learning Outside the Classroom
Learning outside the classroom offers unique opportunities for practical, hands-on experiences. Through activities like exploring nature, observing ecosystems, and engaging in games, students can actively use their senses to reinforce both language and environmental concepts. This holistic approach engages students physically, mentally, and emotionally, improving both their language skills and overall well-being.
For example, students might explore a park while learning vocabulary related to plants and animals, or map their local environment while practicing new German words. The fusion of language learning and sustainability education builds crucial green competences in young learners, equipping them to think critically about ecological issues.
Why It Matters
The benefits of outdoor learning go far beyond language acquisition. It improves physical health, reduces stress, and strengthens students’ connection to the environment. Children who engage in outdoor learning activities are more likely to develop a lasting appreciation for nature, which translates into a lifelong commitment to sustainability. This is especially important in today's climate-challenged world, where fostering environmental awareness from an early age is critical.
Impact So Far
Since the launch of OLGEA, teachers and students across Slovenia, Croatia, and Lithuania have actively participated in piloting the innovative outdoor learning materials. While the formal impact evaluation is ongoing, early feedback from teachers highlights several promising outcomes. Teachers report that students are not only more engaged in lessons but also demonstrate a higher level of ecological awareness when learning outdoors compared to those studying the same content indoors. Importantly, the development of new German language skills remains comparable between both groups. Furthermore, teachers have noted fewer behavioral challenges, alongside increased student motivation, collaboration, and creativity. The integration of outdoor activities has truly transformed the learning environment, making it more dynamic, engaging, and conducive to both language acquisition and environmental consciousness.
To learn more, visit our OLGEA project page.
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