International learning experiences and Erasmus+ courses, brought together
by Vestifex and VitaTiim for educators, schools, NGOs, and lifelong learners.
Urban and Natural Learning Environments
Connecting teaching and learning methods, digital tools and mindfulness in outdoor education across urban, natural and cultural environments
Programme*
Day 1: Introduction to learning environments – from classroom to city and nature; learning goals and approaches
Day 2: Experiential and place-based learning – observation, exploration and reflection
Day 3: Urban and community spaces as learning contexts, visit to the Lifelong learning centre – participatory and inquiry-based methods
Day 4: Nature and heritage as learning environments – connecting environment, identity and sustainability
Day 5: VET and applied learning environments – visit to MCAST and meeting with a craftsmanship trainer; using digital and AI tools for contextual learning
Day 6: Reflection and transfer – designing adaptable outdoor and workplace learning experiences; closing
*To ensure the best learning experience, the programme may be fine-tuned in response to participants’ interests and local conditions.
About the course
This course explores how urban, natural and cultural environments can serve as powerful settings for learning, creativity and reflection. Participants will experience how teaching and learning can take place beyond classroom walls, using real environments to strengthen observation, participation and self-directed learning.
The programme focuses on teaching and learning methods that can be applied in schools, adult education, VET and youth training. It introduces approaches such as experiential and inquiry-based learning, place-based education, creative reflection and mindfulness. Digital and AI tools are used as supportive instruments for exploration, documentation and reflection – helping educators make learning more interactive and inclusive.
Field activities include visits to St Paul’s Bay, Valletta, Mdina, Mosta, Ta’ Qali, Spazju Kreattiv and Ħaġar Qim temples, where participants explore how parks, museums, heritage sites and community spaces can become learning environments. Visits to MCAST - The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology and Lifelong Learning centre and meeting craftsmanship trainers demonstrate how vocational teachers integrate authentic workspaces and creative practice into their teaching.
By the end of the course, participants will have developed a personal toolbox of methods and adaptable learning designs for bringing urban and natural environments into their own educational practice.
As a result of the course, an educator will:
-
Explore the educational potential of urban, natural and cultural spaces
-
Learn and apply experiential, inquiry-based and place-based methods
-
Observe how VET and craft educators use authentic work environments for learning
-
Use digital and AI tools to support exploration and reflection
-
Integrate mindfulness and creative reflection to enhance learning experiences
-
Design adaptable outdoor and contextual learning activities for different learner groups
Location & Dates
23 - 28 March 2026, Malta
19 - 24 April 2027, Malta (exact dates to be confirmed)
Details
Target groups: teachers, VET trainers, adult educators, youth workers, and facilitators who wish to integrate outdoor, workplace and community-based environments into their teaching practice.
Supportive learning materials of the programme will be sent to the participants in advance.
The training itself will not be built on lectures or presentations, but on searching effective solutions
and inspiration for the participants; practice, discovering experiences of other countries, and
spending valuable time together.
We make tailor-made programmes according to the organisations needs if the whole group is from one organisation.
Course fee: 480 €
Facilitator
Georgi Timcenko has a bachelors and masters degree (Cum Laude) in andragogy in Tallinn University (Estonia) and has been practicing in the field of adult education since 2006. He holds the highest occupational qualification - Adult Educator, EQF Level 8 certificate. His experience as a trainer is mainly based on supporting the development of adult educators, training managers, internal trainers, youth workers and teachers of various types of educational institutions, including in the public and private sector, NGOs and universities in Europe and Asia. As a founder and board member of the NGO Estonian Community of Adult Educators, and as the head of the EPALE National Support Service in Estonia and as an evaluator of adult educators’ occupational qualification applicants, Georgi stands for the development of Estonian and European adult educators’ community.