Skip to main content
European Union logo
New European Bauhaus Prizes

EcoAula Sostenible EOI Los Cristianos

Basic information

Project Title

EcoAula Sostenible EOI Los Cristianos

Full project title

Reencuentro con la Naturaleza en la Escuela Oficial de Idiomas Los Cristianos, Tenerife

Category

Reconnecting with nature

Project Description

EcoSustainable Classroom is a revolutionary initiative that has completely transformed the educational experience at the Escuela Oficial de Idiomas Los Cristianos, Tenerife. This visionary project goes beyond traditional classrooms and has created an exceptionally innovative, inclusive, and sustainable educational space. This carefully designed outdoor classroom has reconnected the educational community with nature, establishing a deep and meaningful bond with the natural environment.

Geographical Scope

National

Project Region

Spain

Urban or rural issues

Mainly urban

Physical or other transformations

It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

EU Programme or fund

No

Description of the project

Summary

Project summary: EcoAula Sustainable
Overall aim:
EcoAula Sustainable aims to revolutionize education at the Official School of Languages Los Cristianos, Tenerife, creating an innovative, inclusive, sustainable outdoor classroom, fostering deep connection between students, teachers, and nature.
Specific objectives:
1.Rediscovering nature: Immerse students, instilling guardianship, emotional connection with the environment.
2.Fostering community: Create inclusive educational home, promoting empathy, relationships among students, teachers.
3.Educational innovation: Encourage curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, integrating technology for skills development.
4.Cultural exchange: Facilitate intercultural understanding, fostering global citizenship through activities, celebrations.
5.Promoting sustainability: Instill environmental responsibility, promoting sustainable practices within institution, beyond.
Target groups:
Students, teachers, wider educational community Official School Languages Los Cristianos, creating unity, belonging among diverse individuals.
Achieved outcomes:
1.Transformative earning environment: Redefined teacher-student dynamics, fostering equality, collaborative learning.
2.Vibrant community hub: Venue for events, promoting cultural exchange, unity among students.
3.Global impact: Provides replicable model low-cost, accessible materials, economical alternative institutions globally.
4.Improved academic performance: Enhanced student engagement, participation, reduced school dropout rates, revitalizing interest education.
5.Promotion environmental stewardship: Nurtured essential skills like empathy, resilience, creativity, empowering students advocates sustainability, environmental preservation.
In summary, EcoAula Sustainable embodies transformative education, connecting learners with nature, fostering community, promoting innovation, embracing diversity, nurturing environmental stewardship.

Key objectives for sustainability

EcoAula Sostenible, situated at the Official School of Languages Los Cristianos, Tenerife, represents a transformative approach to education, focusing on sustainability, innovation, cultural exchange, and fostering a sense of community.
In the realm of rediscovering nature, EcoAula Sostenible goes beyond traditional education by immersing students in nature, forging a deep emotional connection with the environment. It encourages active engagement, cultivating environmental guardianship among students. The initiative fosters inclusivity, valuing every voice, and nurturing meaningful relationships among students and teachers, creating a sense of belonging and unity.
Educational innovation is at the core of EcoAula Sostenible, acting as an experimental lab where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive. Integrating technology, it transforms classrooms into dynamic spaces for exploration, equipping students with skills necessary for the 21st century challenges. Cultural exchange is promoted through diverse festivals and exchanges, fostering intercultural understanding and global citizenship.
Sustainability is a cornerstone, instilling environmental responsibility through practices like waste management, water conservation, and renewable energy promotion. EcoAula Sostenible serves as a model for eco-friendly initiatives.
The educational experience is transformed into an immersive nature encounter, reshaping students' perception of education. They become explorers, advocates, and empathetic individuals, guided by teachers inspiring curiosity. This initiative not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates life skills.
EcoAula Sostenible signifies sustainable education, forging a deep connection between humanity and nature. It demonstrates how education, grounded in sustainability and community, shapes a brighter, interconnected future for all, molding mindful, empathetic, and environmentally conscious individuals prepared for the challenges of the future.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

The EcoAula Sostenible project at the Official School of Languages Los Cristianos, Tenerife, represents a harmonious fusion of aesthetics and educational innovation. Its design, meticulously crafted with recycled and eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood, creates an environmentally conscious yet visually inviting space. The absence of conventional roofs allows natural light to cascade, forming captivating patterns that infuse the environment with depth and energy. This integration with nature enhances the educational experience, stimulating students' creativity and curiosity.

EcoAula Sostenible transcends cultural boundaries by serving as a vibrant hub for diverse activities and cultural events. Its flexibility, showcased through adaptable furniture arrangements, ensures functionality while encouraging dynamic student engagement. Learners are empowered to explore, interact, and participate actively, shaping a dynamic and enriching educational journey.

Moreover, the direct connection with nature, evident in elements like the earthen floor and the open design, not only creates an aesthetically pleasing ambiance but also elevates the learning experience. This tangible link with the natural world fosters a profound sense of connection, nurturing the soul and enriching the educational voyage.

In summary, EcoAula Sostenible exemplifies the transformative potential of design in education. Its sustainable, visually appealing environment, combined with an innovative and culturally diverse educational approach, creates a space where learning becomes a holistic experience. It achieves an exceptional balance between aesthetics and education, inspiring a strong sense of community and cultivating a genuine reverence for the environment. This project stands as a remarkable model, showcasing how design can elevate the educational and cultural experiences of individuals.

Key objectives for inclusion

Key objectives of the EcoAula Sostenible project in terms of inclusion:
1.Accessibility and affordability
Objective: create an accessible and affordable educational space.
Implementation: Use low-cost, eco-friendly materials, ensuring freedom of movement for all students.
2.Inclusive governance
Objective: Foster a collaborative, horizontal learning environment.
Implementation: Break down hierarchies between teachers and students, encouraging mutual respect and active participation.
3.Design for all
Objective: Incorporate universal design principles.
Implementation: Flexible space design caters to diverse learning styles, promoting physical, mental, and creative development.
4.New societal models
Objective: Nurturing environmentally conscious citizens.
Implementation: Instill a deep connection with nature, fostering environmental responsibility and sustainability awareness.
Exemplary Aspects
Global replicability
Impact: Project's affordability and simplicity make it replicable worldwide.
Outcome: Demonstrates creating inclusive, sustainable educational spaces is achievable globally.
Holistic student impact
Impact: Shapes well-rounded individuals, nurturing empathy, creativity, and environmental awareness.
Outcome: Prepares future leaders committed to sustainable practices and social inclusion.
Community enrichment
Impact: Fosters cultural exchange, intercultural understanding, and environmental consciousness.
Outcome: Creates a sense of shared responsibility and harmonious coexistence with nature within the community.
In summary, EcoAula Sostenible is an exemplary model, showcasing how inclusive, sustainable educational spaces can empower individuals and enrich communities globally.

Results in relation to category

The EcoAula Sostenible project at the Official School of Languages Los Cristianos, Tenerife, has revolutionized education by creating an innovative outdoor classroom. This flexible, eco-friendly space promotes movement, collaborative learning, and cultural exchange. Teachers engage students in transformative methods, breaking down traditional barriers and fostering open dialogue.

The project's impact is evident through improved academic performance, reduced dropout rates, and holistic student development. It fosters a strong sense of community, nurturing empathy and inclusion. EcoAula Sostenible also serves as a global inspiration, offering a replicable model for institutions worldwide.

Continuous evaluation through student and faculty satisfaction surveys ensures ongoing improvements. Beyond a physical space, EcoAula Sostenible embodies a unique educational philosophy, where nature becomes the teacher. It instills values of environmental responsibility, nurturing empathy, resilience, and creativity in students. In summary, EcoAula Sostenible represents a transformative educational approach, promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and innovative teaching methods, making a significant impact on students, teachers, and communities.

How Citizens benefit

The EcoAula Sostenible project at the Official School of Languages Los Cristianos, Tenerife, has significantly impacted citizens, students, and civil society.
Citizens/Students' Benefits and Role:
Meaningful learning: Students experience transformative learning, fostering a love for education beyond classrooms. They actively engage as both teachers and learners.
Increased participation: Students participate more in extracurricular activities, indicating higher engagement and community involvement.
Reduced dropout rates: The project contributes to decreased dropout rates by providing a stimulating environment, encouraging students to stay in education.
Holistic development: Movement in the learning environment promotes physical and mental growth, enhancing creativity and well-being.
Environmental responsibility: Students develop a deep connection with nature, becoming active guardians and understanding the importance of environmental preservation.
Civil society involvement and impact:
Community enrichment: EcoAula Sostenible enhances the community's social and cultural fabric, providing learning and cultural opportunities.
Sustainability promotion: The project acts as a model for sustainable practices, involving civil society in environmental awareness and responsible initiatives.
Cultural exchange: The space fosters intercultural understanding, promoting global citizenship through cultural events and exchanges.
Innovative education: Civil society contributes to innovative teaching methods, integrating technology and creative approaches for 21st-century learning.
Advocacy and inspiration: EcoAula Sostenible serves as a global inspiration, advocating transformative education and encouraging similar initiatives worldwide.

Physical or other transformations

It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)

Innovative character

EcoAula Sustainable: Revolutionizing education through nature

Innovation highlights:

1. Eco-Friendly infrastructure: EcoAula Sustainable redefines classrooms by utilizing recycled and eco-friendly materials, creating a serene, sunlit space that enhances learning.
2. Transformative teaching: Teachers and students coexist in a collaborative environment, breaking traditional hierarchies, fostering open dialogue, and nurturing a culture of mutual respect and shared knowledge.
3. Cultural fusion: This space hosts diverse cultural events, erasing boundaries and celebrating global unity, all under nature's embrace, promoting intercultural understanding.
4. New learning paradigm: EcoAula Sustainable pioneers a holistic approach, incorporating movement and interactive learning. Scientifically proven benefits of movement are harnessed, enhancing creativity, memory, and overall academic performance.
5. Sustainability at its core: More than just teaching about sustainability, EcoAula Sustainable embodies it. The space serves as a model of eco-friendly practices, inspiring students to become passionate advocates for the environment.
6. Nature as a teacher: EcoAula Sustainable transforms learning, making nature an active participant. Students engage directly with the natural world, fostering empathy, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
7. Fostering global citizens: Through cultural exchange and innovative learning methods, EcoAula Sustainable shapes students into global citizens who respect diversity, building bridges and connecting communities worldwide.
In Summary: EcoAula Sustainable isn't just a classroom; it's a transformative educational philosophy. By immersing students in nature, breaking barriers, and fostering global understanding, it creates a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future for education, serving as a beacon for schools worldwide.

Disciplines/knowledge reflected

The implementation of EcoAula Sostenible at the Official School of Languages Los Cristianos, Tenerife, represents a multidisciplinary approach integrating principles from environmental science, sustainable architecture, pedagogy, psychology, and cultural studies. This innovative project merges environmental science and sustainable architecture with pedagogical and psychological principles to transform education. Additionally, it promotes cultural exchange, fostering intercultural understanding and celebrating diversity through various activities and events. The significance of movement in learning is incorporated through scientifically proven methods that enhance memory, creativity, and overall well-being.

EcoAula Sostenible serves as a model for sustainability, both in its teachings and its daily operations, promoting environmental responsibility. Measurable outcomes include student and faculty satisfaction, academic performance, increased participation in activities, and a notable decrease in school dropout rates. This project not only has a positive local impact but also inspires globally, being replicable, accessible, and transformative for educational institutions worldwide.

By deeply connecting with nature, promoting cultural understanding, embracing innovative teaching methods, and advocating for sustainability, EcoAula Sostenible stands as a beacon of educational innovation, shaping a more meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable future for generations to come.

Methodology used

Methodology: EcoAula Sustainable

EcoAula Sustainable employed a holistic approach rooted in design thinking and participatory planning. The project integrated innovative technologies, fostering collaborative learning through flexible classroom arrangements. Sustainability was paramount, guiding material selection and waste management to minimize environmental impact, aligning with the new European Bauhaus ideals.

Central to the methodology was the immersive, nature-centric pedagogy. Nature became the primary teacher, facilitating experiential learning and nurturing students' environmental responsibility and empathy. Cultural exchange programs, including festivals and artistic collaborations, celebrated diversity, fostering global citizenship and intercultural understanding.

Continuous evaluation was pivotal, ensuring responsiveness to the educational community's needs. Faculty members underwent training in interactive teaching methods, encouraging student engagement and participation. Beyond school boundaries, EcoAula Sustainable engaged the local community through workshops and awareness campaigns, fostering a shared commitment to sustainability.

The project's adaptability and scalability were key features. Its replicable model enabled global implementation, encouraging other institutions to adopt similar sustainable and innovative learning practices. In essence, EcoAula Sustainable's methodology combined participatory planning, technological integration, sustainability, and a nature-inspired approach, creating a transformative and inclusive educational environment.educational environment.

How stakeholders are engaged

In the development of EcoAula Sostenible at the Official School of Languages Los Cristianos, Tenerife, a multi-tiered engagement strategy involved stakeholders at different levels.
Locally: The school administration played a pivotal role by offering crucial support, permissions, and resources. Teachers and students actively participated, shaping the project with their feedback and creative input. The local community, including parents and residents, became an integral part of the initiative, attending events and fostering a sense of community ownership.
Regionally: Collaborations with regional educational authorities and environmental agencies ensured the project aligned with regional regulations and sustainable practices. These partnerships facilitated necessary training for teachers, emphasizing the importance of innovative educational approaches.
Nationally: Endorsement from national ministries, particularly the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Environment, provided recognition and financial support. Their backing allowed the integration of eco-friendly practices into the curriculum, reinforcing the project's significance within national sustainability agendas.
European Involvement: EcoAula Sostenible's alignment with the new European Bauhaus initiative attracted attention at the European level. Recognition from the European Commission highlighted the project's innovative approach, potentially inspiring similar initiatives across the continent.
At each level, stakeholder engagement added unique value. Locally, it fostered a strong sense of community and belonging. Regionally, it ensured compliance with regional standards. Nationally, it provided financial backing and integration into national educational frameworks. European recognition elevated the project's profile, positioning it as a pioneering model in the context of European educational innovation. This multi-faceted engagement approach was fundamental to EcoAula Sostenible's success.

Global challenges

The EcoAula Sustainable project offers local solutions that address pressing global challenges. By using eco-friendly materials and sustainable design principles, the project tackles climate change and environmental degradation, reducing the ecological footprint of educational spaces. Through immersive nature experiences, it nurtures a sense of environmental responsibility, addressing biodiversity loss. The emphasis on cultural exchange fosters understanding, promoting social cohesion in a culturally diverse world.

Moreover, the project challenges education inequality by providing inclusive and innovative learning environments, empowering students in underserved areas. Its holistic approach, integrating movement, creativity, and nature, contributes to the mental and physical well-being of students, addressing the global rise in mental health issues. By incorporating technology and sustainability, the project equips students with essential skills for the future, fostering innovation and contributing to sustainable development.

Furthermore, EcoAula Sustainable empowers future leaders who are mindful, empathetic, and environmentally conscious. By addressing these challenges at the local level, the project exemplifies how grassroots initiatives can have a significant impact on global issues. Through its comprehensive approach, the project not only transforms education but also contributes to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and harmonious global society, one student at a time.

Learning transferred to other parties

The EcoAula Sustainable project offers replicable elements for educational initiatives worldwide:

Eco-Sustainable design: Use eco-friendly materials and sustainable principles in constructing outdoor classrooms for diverse settings.

Transformative teaching methods: Implement interactive, learner-centered teaching methods that promote equality and respect among teachers and students.

New European Bauhaus principles: Integrate sustainability and aesthetics in architecture by using low-cost, eco-friendly materials for construction projects.

Flexible learning spaces: Create adaptable spaces encouraging movement, interaction, and creativity, enhancing the learning experience.

Cultural exchange and community building: Foster intercultural understanding through activities like festivals and culinary exchanges, promoting unity and tolerance.

Sustainability education: Integrate sustainability practices into the curriculum and daily operations, instilling environmental responsibility in students.

Holistic education approach: Combine movement, creativity, and environmental education for comprehensive student development.

Continuous evaluation: Implement a system for continuous evaluation to measure satisfaction, track progress, and assess impact, ensuring ongoing improvement.

By incorporating these elements, educational institutions globally can replicate the EcoAula Sostenible model, creating inclusive, sustainable, and innovative learning environments for students and communities.

Keywords

Sustainability
Nature integration
Community and inclusivity
Educational innovation
Cultural exchange

Gallery