Out of the Ordinary

‘Out of the ordinary’ focuses on scaling up and sustainably embedding outdoor education within higher education. Lecturers from HU and Fontys are trained to conduct outdoor education through workshops and peer-to-peer learning sessions. A train-the-trainer program ensures that these experiences are embedded and disseminated within the institutions.

Previous research into the use of nature as a learning environment in higher professional education has shown that outdoor education contributes to group cohesion, autonomy, well-being, and the development of soft skills. At the same time, lecturers face obstacles to implementing outdoor education, such as a lack of time, knowledge, and mental space. The aim of Buiten Gewoon is to create space for lecturers to learn, experiment, and structurally embed this educational innovation.

Through this project, lecturers are trained and tools are developed that are transferable to other study programmes and institutions, contributing to a nature-inclusive learning environment in higher professional education.

Concrete toolkit containing activities, lesson plans, and tips
- Tool
All the knowledge gained, teaching methods, lesson plans, and tips are being compiled into a practical toolkit aimed at educators at other study programs and institutions who wish to get started with outdoor education.
Workshop for colleagues
- Method
The participating lecturers organize workshops within their own degree program or faculty, in which they share their experiences and inspire colleagues.
National Walking Symposium
- Event
The project concludes with a national open-air symposium, where around 50 participants from various universities of applied sciences are introduced to the results and working methods. This event serves as a source of inspiration and a networking opportunity.

Nine lecturers from six degree programmes at Fontys and HU form an interdisciplinary learning team, experimenting with outdoor education, exchanging experiences, and engaging in peer consultation. Through a train-the-trainer programme, these experiences are embedded and disseminated within the institutions.