Abstract:

This paper proposes a review of the pedagogical values of the program of excursions of the Institución Libre de Enseñanza (ILE) (Free Institution of Education) (1876-1939), an organization that led the educational changes of the first third of the twentieth century in Spain. The ILE developed a pedagogical model based on the comprehensive education of pupils, which was two decades ahead of the Escuela Nueva.

The study of science through contact with nature, in field trips to the local environment and the consideration of the landscape as cultural heritage, was one of the pedagogical pillars of the ILE. According to ILE approaches, outings outside the classroom promoted the well-being and health of students, at a time when cities were unhealthy spaces due to the incipient development of industry. It was also an activity where students could develop their character, overcome adversities and develop their resilience. The aesthetic conception of the environment and the conservation of Spanish natural landscapes were values that formed part of the educational process. The walking experience facilitated the Socratic teaching methodology and direct contact between students and teachers. The ILE promoted a teaching model that assumed coeducation and gender equality, as well as public schooling for all social classes.

A century later, the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations Organization include many of the ILE’s pedagogical values (6). In this paper we review the goals Health and Well-being (Goal 3), Quality Education (Goal 4), Gender Equality (Goal 5), Reduction of Inequalities (Goal 10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), Responsible Production and Consumption (Goal 12), Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems (Goal 15), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (Goal 16) highlighting the modernity of the pedagogical approaches of the excursions and walks program of the Institución Libre de Enseñanza. Finally, we propose a synthesis of the pedagogical values of field trips in the teaching of natural sciences considering the SDGs, which involves an update and revision of those proposed by the ILE.

Keywords:

History of Natural Sciences Teaching, Institución Libre de Enseñanza, Excursions, Sustainable Development Goals.