Beyond the Classroom: Erasmus+ BIP – When Nature Becomes the Teacher
Beyond the Classroom: Erasmus+ BIP – When Nature Becomes the Teacher
From 21 to 25 September 2026, an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) entitled Teaching about Nature took place at the Catholic University in Ružomberok. The programme was organised by the Department of Biology and Ecology at the Faculty of Education, in cooperation with the KU Office for International Relations and Internationalisation. It focused on environmental education, outdoor learning, and exploring ways to foster a positive relationship with nature and a responsible attitude towards the environment among university students, school pupils, and the wider public.
At a time when the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident in everyday life, environmental education is gaining particular importance. It helps people better understand natural processes and changes in the landscape, while also encouraging them to recognise their own role in protecting natural heritage and preserving the conditions necessary for future generations. One effective way of delivering this kind of education is outdoor learning, which takes the learning process directly into the natural environment and makes it possible to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
This principle formed the foundation of the Teaching about Nature programme. University students from Croatia, Bulgaria, and Lithuania took part in the activities, gaining the opportunity to discover the natural and cultural richness of the Lower Liptov region while exploring different approaches to learning directly in the field. Through practical activities, they focused on identifying plant and animal species, understanding the characteristics of the landscape, examining how it is used, and exploring issues related to sustainability.
Nature as a subject of exploration, active learning, collaboration, and the exchange of experiences.
Throughout the programme, nature became not only a subject of study but also a space for active learning, collaboration, and the exchange of experience. The students had the opportunity to consider how natural environments can be used for educational purposes, how to raise awareness of environmental issues, and how information about nature conservation can be communicated to different target groups. An important part of the programme involved exploring creative and practical approaches that participants could apply in their future teaching careers.
International cooperation was another important added value of the programme. Bringing together students from several European countries created opportunities to share experiences, compare approaches to environmental education, and inspire one another. Participants were able to discover not only the distinctive features of the Slovak natural environment but also new ways of developing nature education in different geographical and cultural contexts.
The physical mobility was preceded by a virtual component, which took place on 11 September 2026. This preparatory stage laid the foundations for the subsequent joint activities and enabled participants to prepare for field-based learning. By combining online cooperation with face-to-face interaction and practical activities, the programme demonstrated the value of blended learning within the Erasmus+ BIP framework.
The Department of Biology and Ecology at the Faculty of Education of the Catholic University in Ružomberok has long incorporated outdoor learning into several university courses. Through field trips and other activities, the department also introduces the natural world to the wider public. The Teaching about Nature programme built on this experience while creating further opportunities for international cooperation in environmental education.
The Erasmus+ BIP Teaching about Nature programme demonstrated that learning about nature does not have to remain confined to the classroom. First-hand experiences in the landscape, practical tasks, and collaboration with students from other countries provide opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Such initiatives can inspire future teachers to introduce environmental topics to new generations and encourage them to develop a more thoughtful and responsible relationship with the world we live in.
Contact persons for the Erasmus+ BIP – Teaching about Nature
Project reference: 2025-1-SK01-KA131-HED-000342025-3
doc. RNDr. Michal Baláž, PhD.
michal.balaz@ku.sk
Michaela Moldová Chovancová, PhD.
michaela.moldova.chovancova@ku.sk