Experiential and hands-on learning places students at the centre of the learning process through active participation, reflection, and real-world application. While widely used in youth work and non-formal education, these approaches are increasingly recognised as powerful tools for VET and academic environments, where they can boost motivation, deepen understanding, and strengthen transversal skills.
This course introduces VET teachers to key non-formal education (NFE) methodologies (experiential learning cycles, simulation games, role-play, problem-solving challenges, outdoor learning, and reflective practices) and demonstrates how they can be meaningfully integrated into formal curricula. Participants explore how experiential methods can support competence-based learning, improve student engagement, and foster inclusion.
Throughout the week, teachers will experience NFE activities first-hand, analyse why they work, and adapt them to their own subjects and classroom realities. By the end of the course, participants will be able to design hands-on learning experiences that are structured curriculum-aligned, and feasible within institutional constraints.

The course focuses on experiential and hands‑on learning methodologies rooted in non‑formal education.

Participants will:
•Explore the principles of experiential learning (Kolb cycle, learning-by-doing, reflection).
•Experience a variety of NFE tools such as simulations, role‑plays, cooperative challenges, outdoor tasks, and creative problem‑solving activities.
•Analyse how these tools can be adapted to VET subjects and formal learning outcomes.
•Develop lesson plans and micro‑activities aligned with their curriculum.
•Reflect on facilitation techniques, group dynamics, and inclusive practices.
•Discuss assessment strategies suitable for experiential learning.
The course emphasises practical experimentation, peer learning, and reflective practice.

Total duration: 6 days (with the 6th day dedicated to an educational excursion)
Daily workload: 5-6 hours per day
Total training hours: approximately 35 hours

Day 0

• Arrival Day

Day 1
•Welcome and introduction;
•Ice‑breakers and team‑building activities (experiencing NFE tools);
•What is Experiential Learning? Understanding the Kolb Cycle;
•Hands‑on workshop: Learning-by-doing in practice;
•Reflection circle and group debriefing;
•Cultural and social activities;
•Organizations and Initiatives Presentation Session;
•Feedback day 1.

Day 2

• Exploring non-formal Education Methodologies
• Simulation games and role-play as learning tools
• Analysing group dynamics and facilitation techniques
• Designing simple experiential activities for your subject
• Reflection and peer feedback.

Day 3

• Outdoor and movement-based learning
• Problem-solving challenges and cooperative tasks
• Adapting NFE tools to VET curricula Cultural and social activities.

Day 4

• Integrating experiential learning into formal lesson plans;
  Assessment in experiential learning: formative, reflective, competence-based
• Creating hands-on learning pathways for different learner profiles;
  Cultural and social activities.

Day 5

• Sharing best practices and presenting lesson plans;
• Discussing classroom challenges and selecting appropriate NFE tools;
• Planning future cooperation and follow‑up activities;
• Brainstorming dissemination ideas;
• Final feedback;
• Validation of learning outcomes and certification ceremony;

Day 6

• Full-day Trip (experiential outdoor learning activity)

Day 7

• Departure

Programme details may be adjusted based on trainer availability, participant needs, public holidays, or unforeseen circumstances.

• Understand the principles and benefits of experiential and hands‑on learning;
• Explore a range of non‑formal education methodologies and tools;
• Learn how to adapt NFE activities to academic and VET contexts;
• Develop lesson plans integrating experiential learning cycles;
• Strengthen facilitation, reflection, and group management skills;
• Exchange ideas and discuss how experiential methods can address specific classroom challenges.

• By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Apply experiential learning principles (e.g., Kolb cycle) in their teaching practice;
• Use a variety of NFE tools such as simulations, role-plays, cooperative challenges, and outdoor tasks;
• Design hands-on, student-centred learning activities aligned with formal curricula;
• Facilitate reflection and debriefing to deepen learning;
• Adapt experiential methodologies to different subjects, learner needs, and institutional constraints;
• Collaborate with peers to solve classroom challenges using experiential approaches.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Apply experiential learning principles (e.g., Kolb cycle) in their teaching practice;
  Use a variety of NFE tools such as simulations, role-plays, cooperative challenges, and outdoor tasks;
• Design hands-on, student-centred learning activities aligned with formal curricula;
• Facilitate reflection and debriefing to deepen learning;
• Adapt experiential methodologies to different subjects, learner needs, and institutional constraints;
• Collaborate with peers to solve classroom challenges using experiential approaches.

VET teachers, trainers, educators, school staff, and anyone interested in integrating experiential and non-formal methodologies into formal education.

English / B1 or more

20

Standard Package (480€):

– Course tuition;
– Training materials;
– Certificate of participation;

– Cultural and social activities.

Full Package (1.480€):
-Course tuition;
-Training materials;
-Accommodation;
-Meals;
-Local transportation;
-Cultural programme;
-Certificate of participation.

*Note: In the case of the training course in August, the full package costs €2.480.