1. Reflection  Do a self assessment (Report about: Duration, Risk assessment, Participation, Outcomes) Follow up  Motivate students to undertake action regarding the natural area they have visited.  Link the field trip with students every day life with activities to apply at school and at home (you can include the family and community). It is good to  Have a group memento (photos, album with feelings etc).  Give a certificate of attendance to the participants.  Provide further information to the student about the topic of the program.  Discuss with students about the program and possible future programs. One Step Further  After the evaluation and reflection you can make improvements and reform the program.  You can find lots of information and material online for: Risk assessment, Evaluation, Reflection or any other aspect you feel you need more explanation. Action 4.3: Training and Networking Exploring and exchanging knowledge, regarding alternative environmental education methods in the field @ 2013

2. MUST DO  Set a clear aim and objectives of the program.  Ensure that the program is at the appropriate level for the participants and their expertise.  Make sure that the program includes all elements of ESD -Education for Sustainable Development (Knowledge, Skills, Sensitization, Citizenship).  Design and include a variety of methods to use e.g. games, orientation, activities and worksheets.  Set the appropriate duration for each activity.  Prepare an evaluation form.  Prepare the worksheets: Keep them clear and simple.  Make sure to have the suitable equipment for the implementation of the program.  Activity guidelines should be available to all staff.  If the program is run by more than one person ensure proper coordination.  Be familiar with the area and make preparatory visit if needed!!! (access for disabled people, water, WC etc).  Do a risk assessment.  Prepare the area (e.g. cleaning).  Have an alternative plan ready in case of any unexpected situation.  Send to the participants the safety rules, the essentials checklist and the behaviour code.  Prepare and keep updated a First Aid-Kit.  Ensure you have the appropriate adults to students ratio.  Get a record of the group, be informed of allergies, dietary preferences, kinetic abilities, etc.  Prepare the necessary documents (e.g. permissions, letters, insurances, etc). Have all these documents with you, when in the field.  Explore the groups’ expectations in advance.  Make sure you include lunch breaks, ice breakers and free time to ENJOY NATURE!!! One day before  Check the weather  Check the equipment  Confirm with the teacher Recommended  Explore the links to the curriculum.  Develop an information kit for the teacher e.g. for the characteristics of the field, biodiversity, societal information, legends etc  Communicate the program to participants in advance to better prepare themselves.  Opt for a small group size in order to minimize the impact to the area.  Ensure that at least one person has first aid training. MUST DO  Ensure the behavior code is enforced at all time.  Make some students in charge and responsible in a democratic and inclusive way.  Make equal groups according to students capacities and skills.  Encourage children to teach each other and disseminate information.  Promote cooperation rather than competition between students to create a friendly atmosphere.  Ensure good time management.  “Quality over quantity”, one quality activity is better than several poor quality activities.  Always give some time at the end to summarize and express emotions.  Be a good example to follow, get them involved and enthusiastic.  Harvest a positive attitude towards the environment. At the end of the field trip make sure that  All students are gathered back and have all their belongings.  The area is as it was before the visit (haven’t left any litter at the area, everything is left in the original place etc).  All the equipment is gathered.  You have the evaluation form from the students and teachers if applicable.