Experiential Learning in Valencia: City, Nature, and Innovation

Description

Traditional classroom teaching can often feel disconnected from real-world applications, making subjects dry, theoretical, and distant from everyday life.

This approach struggles to fully engage students’ senses and imagination, hindering meaningful learning experiences.

This course aims to equip participants with strategies to transform Valencia‘s rich urban, natural, and cultural landscapes into an engaging “living classroom,” connecting their lessons to the world outside the classroom.

During the course, participants will learn to design lessons that utilize Valencia’s historical sites, modern architectural marvels, vibrant natural parks, and local traditions to develop a deeper learning and engagement.

This will involve interactive urban explorations, excursions to natural environments like Albufera Natural Park to study environmental science, and visits to institutions such as the City of Arts and Sciences to explore the interconnectedness of scientific fields and modern innovation.

Participants will also engage in workshops focused on creative methodologies like storytelling, photography, soundscapes, and digital tools, applying these in the context of Valencia’s diverse settings.

By the end of the course, participants will have gained a comprehensive understanding of experiential learning techniques applicable to diverse subjects using urban and natural environments.

They will be able to design and lead engaging, student-centered learning experiences, incorporate creative methodologies, and develop practical, adaptable outdoor and city-based activities that can be duplicated in various classroom settings.

Concept by Petar Drumev

Learning outcomes

The course will help participants to:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of experiential learning techniques applicable to diverse subjects using urban and natural environments;
• Design and lead engaging, student-centered learning experiences through Valencia’s historical, cultural, and scientific site;
• Incorporate creative methodologies such as storytelling, visual arts, and digital tools (e.g., photography, soundscapes) into their teaching practices;
• Explore the interconnectedness of various fields, such as environmental studies, history, architecture, and basic sciences, and their relevance to real-world phenomena in Valencia;
• Enhance abilities to plan and execute activities that promote curiosity, deeper understanding, and inspire students through real-life applications and interactive methodology.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Setting personal goals for the week.

Day 2 – Outdoor urban exploration

• Interactive scavenger hunt through Valencia’s historic city center, including sites like the Central Market, La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), and Valencia Cathedral;
• Activities focused on using historical landmarks to teach history, civics, and cultural understanding;
• Group discussion and reflection on how to adapt these activities for different age groups.

Day 3 – Nature-based learning

• Excursion to the Albufera Natural Park: exploring its unique wetland ecosystem, rice fields, and birdwatching opportunities;
• Hands-on activities on environmental studies, biodiversity, and the cultural significance of sustainable practices;
• Practical workshop: Designing nature-based experiments and lessons for the classroom using local flora and fauna.

Day 4 – Science in context: connections and creative tools

• Exploring the interconnectedness of scientific fields (physics, biology, chemistry) and how modern institutions can serve as learning resources;
• Workshop on incorporating creative technologies and interactive exhibits into teaching.

Day 5 – Designing an experiential lesson

• Interactive session on storytelling, photography, and soundscapes as educational tools, using Valencia’s vibrant street art and soundscapes as inspiration;
• How to plan and manage a group project in the classroom;
• Group project: Participants design and present a Valencia-themed experiential lesson plan integrating various elements learned throughout the week.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competences, feedback, and discussion.
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance.
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

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