Nature- and Environment-Based Methods (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

Hyväksytty/Hylätty

Content scheduling

Noora Ahvenjärvi (responsible teacher / vastuuopettaja) & Tiina Suni

Teaching on Mondays at 15-18, weeks 35-44.

Teaching and group work on this course is in English. Assignments can be completed in English or in Finnish.

Course schedule:

Week 34 independent work on pre-assignment.

Mon 25.8.2025 15:00 - 18:00 Course info, discussion on pre-assignment and lecture on nature-based activities and nature well-being (Noora)

Mon 1.9.2025 15:00 - 18:00 Short hike in nature (Tiina)

Mon 8.9.2025 15:00 -18:00 Visitor Piia Leskinen & independent work

Mon 15.9.2025 15:00 - 18:00 Different environments and methods & nature activities at Kupittaan seikkailupuisto (Tiina)

Mon 22.9.2025 15.00-18.00 Study assignment implementation: nature-oriented activities in small groups (Ispoinen) (Tiina & Noora)

Mon 29.9.2025 15:00 - 18:00 Visitor/visit, archipelago (Tiina & Noora)

Mon 6.10.2025 15.00-18.00 Independent work on study assignments

Mon 20.10.2025 15:00 - 18:00 City adventure (Tiina & Noora)

Attendance in contact teaching of the course is mandatory, which is based on the working and learning methods used in the course. The contact teaching includes interactive activities, discussions, peer learning, and workshop activities. Participation in contact teaching supports the development of the student’s professional skills and interaction abilities.

In case of absence due to illness, a compensatory assignment must be completed. The max. amount of absence is two contact teaching sessions. If this is exceeded, the completion of the course will be postponed to the next implementation.

Changes are possible.

Objective

• you are familiar with various operating environments and methods of nature- and environment-based activities
• you are familiar with nature-based counselling and client work, and the principles of respecting the environment that guide them
• you understand the meaning of nature in supporting well-being, and you are aware of your own relationship with nature
• you know how to plan, implement and assess nature- and environment-based activities in a client-based and goal-oriented way

Content

• the health and welfare effects of nature
• the operating environments of nature- and environment-based activities
• different nature- and environment-based activities, mindfulness skills in relation to nature
• activities in a natural environment, experiences and adventures in various environments
• taking care of nature as a therapeutic activity

Materials

All materials in itslearning

Teaching methods

Individual study
Small group work
Lectures (in English)
Learning assignments

International connections

Activity based learning

Student workload

Lectures and independent work 2 ECTS
Assignments 3 ECTS

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Criteria for approved accomplishment of the course:
- participation in teaching
- completing and passing the study assignments
- achieving the following competence objectives in sufficient level:
• you are familiar with operating environments and methods of nature- and environment-based activities
• you are familiar with nature-based counselling and client work, and the principles of respecting the environment that guide them
• you understand the meaning of nature in supporting well-being
• you are aware of your own relationship with nature
• you know how to plan, implement and assess nature- and environment-based activities in a client-based and goal-oriented way

Criteria for failed grade:
- participation in teaching is missing or
- study assignments are failed or
- student does not achieve the above mentioned competence objectives in sufficient level