Plant blindness is becoming a universal phenomenon among both students and adults. They do not know the names of the plants in their immediate environment, nor are they interested in familiarising themselves with the plants that surround them. Teachers and outdoor education can play a vital role in reversing and preventing this phenomenon; however, many teacher-training universities do not believe that this issue is important. Future teachers do not know the names of the plants in their environment, nor are they inclined to hold outdoor classes. This study examines the relevance of outdoor classes in university education as well as the plant knowledge of trainee teachers at universities in three countries, namely Serbia, Hungary, and Croatia. The results show that students who attended classes held in a natural outdoor environment had better plant identification knowledge. Students’ plant identification knowledge was found to be at the same level in each of the three countries that were examined.

Getting pupils closer to nature seems essential, even more, after the pandemic. Therefore, schools and teachers have to take active part in this process trying to hold as many outdoor classes as possible. The implementation of this methodology requires well prepared teachers, which depends on teacher training institutions. In this regard, 551 trainee teachers from Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Spain and Norway were surveyed in order to analyse their perceptions about outdoor education (OE), filling out a questionnaire composed of 11 questions, most of them were Likert-scale. The aim was to determine whether the students considered OE effective and important, and whether they are satisfied with the knowledge they get during their studies. The results were analysed separately by countries and were compared among the five countries. They show that trainee teachers find OE important and effective to get pupils familiar with nature. Trainee teachers are planning to use this method; however, they are not satisfied with the knowledge received during their studies. There are significant differences on trainee teachers’ perceptions depending on which country they study in. These findings give a good basis for further research, and help universities to prepare their students more effectively for using this method.

This study presents a new technique, the “Which plant am I?” game, which helps to increase pupils’ plant knowledge, while motivate them to become familiar with more plants. On the other hand pupils’ plant knowledge was tested in Serbia. The “Which Plant Am I?“ game was tested with two groups of pupils (in average 11 years old). Pupils in the experimental group took part in outdoor classes and played the ”Which plant am I?” game. Pupils of the control group observed plants only in the classroom. This technique can deliver significant improvement in pupils’ knowledge about plants and motivate them through an active and playful learning process. This technique can be one possible solution of plant blindness.

The pandemic had a huge effect on education all over the world. Online education is not really effective at bringing students closer to nature, so spending quality time in nature has become very important as many believe it is essential for the students’ normal physical and psychological development. Parents and teachers play a vital role in this process by holding outdoor classes. In our work, 372 working teachers from three countries (Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary) were asked to present their opinions about outdoor education. The results were analysed and compared between countries and with data collected four years ago. They considered it essential to hold as many outdoor classes as possible. However, they could only sometimes implement such intentions because of issues beyond their control.

In the 21stcentury pupils learn how to use technological devices from their early childhood. Therefore, the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning processes seems obvious. For the purpose of this research, 305 class teachers from four European countries (Serbia, Spain, Croatia and Hungary) were asked about their experiences and opinions on the use of ICT in biology classes. The aim was to determine whether they consider that this way of teaching is effective and may motivate pupils for further learning. The results showed that the teachers from all four countries agree that pupils enjoy and are more motivated when learning with the use of the ICT, and it improves the quality of their lessons. Keywords: biology education; information and communications technology; primary school; teachers