Strengthening Teacher Education Through Outdoor and Socio-Emotional Learning

Teaching Training (LTT) event organised within the framework of the Erasmus+ project Outdoor Adventure Education through Physical Education (OutAdvEd). The event aimed to enhance the pedagogical competencies of pre- and in-service
educators in Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE), with a particular emphasis on fostering social and emotional learning (SEL). A total of 9 in-service (45.33 ± 5.01 years) and 13 pre-service educators (23.38 ± 2.76 years) from partner institutions participated. Most in-service educators were experienced university-level teachers, while the majority of pre-service educators were undergraduates in physical education (PE) teacher education programs. They
engaged in a structured program comprising five teaching units. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via adapted evaluation tools. Overall, all participants reported high levels of satisfaction. They indicated that they gained new knowledge and pedagogical insights, with 100% affirming that they would recommend the event to peers. The teaching units were positively rated in terms of clarity, pedagogical value, skill development, and alignment with professional
learning goals. Qualitative findings highlighted several strengths of the LTT event, including the creation of a positive group climate, diverse and engaging activities. However, challenges were identified, including insufficient time for reflection and a limited linkage between theory and practice in some activities. Safety concerns related to climbing equipment were also noted. Recommendations for future iterations include enhancing theoretical-practical integration, expanding outdoor components, and increasing opportunities for structured reflection. In conclusion, the LTT event effectively contributed to participants’ professional development and demonstrated the pedagogical potential of OAE to advance SEL within PE. The findings offer evidence to support the integration of OAE into teacher education curricula and underscore the value of transnational collaborative learning experiences in fostering innovative pedagogical practices.