Outdoor Adventure Education
Due to the increase of information technologies in our lives, people spend more and more time in different social media channels and modern technologies, resulting in a lack of physical activities and actual connection with people and nature around them. One of the methods that have been developed that increases individual’s physical activity and connection with nature is Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE) - an experiential method of learning incorporating the use of all senses, that generally takes place through interaction with the natural environment. |
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Main characteristics of OAE
Education has the primary importance - making the experience as educational as possible, taking advantages of every situation and teaching the participants “how’s, why’s and when’s”;
Natural setting and close interaction with outdoor environment – natural environment serves as a key component in the education process; Elements of real or perceived risk – risk can be real and inherent to an activity or (mis)perceived by participants in a safe activity; Uncertain outcomes – different factors like terrain, participant’s skills and abilities, weather etc. can make the outcomes of a programme unpredictable. Uncertainy during the experience forces participants to confront anxieties, analyze decision-making abilities and assess physical, emotional and leadership skills. |
With the development of OAE, more research has been conducted to understand what elements influence the effectiveness and results of outdoor education. One theory that was made after combining several studies in the field of OAE, showed that OAE is based on six main elements that are relevant to reach the goals of the programme and encourage self development, these are: the physical environment, activities, information processing, group, instructors and, the participant himself (McKenzie 2000).
Impact of OAE
One of the main questions in the area of Outdoor Adventure Education has always been – how effective actually are the OAE methods and which aspects of an individual do they impact? Although it’s not an easy task to measure the impact of OAE, there have been several research studies trying to answer this question.
Research conducted at an Outward Bound School in England in 1966 showed that after participation in outdoor program, most of the participants displayed higher levels of self-confidence, independence, and a more realistic view to the life and inner-stability. The main factors shown to stimulate the development of an individual’s personality were mentioned to be the level of stress, adventure and intensity during the program (Hopkins&Putnam 2012). |
Further research in 2008 studied the long-term impact on National Outdoor Leadership School participants after finishing the program. Main impact areas were divided in 4 big groups – personal-development and self-awareness, group dynamics, system of personal values and technical skills (Furman et al. 2008).
Personal development and self-awareness - results showed higher confidence of participant’s skills, risk-management and leadership skill development as well as ability to react fast in stressful situations. Group dynamics – higher levels of mutual trust and cooperation within a group, problem solving and task management, way of communication and team work in general. System of personal values – raised awareness of nature conservation and protection, ecological lifestyle, cultural awareness and appreciation of nature. Technical skills – development of outdoor survival skills (outdoor cooking, setting up camp etc.), as well as experience in different outdoor activities like rock-climbing, kayaking etc. From all of the skills mentioned above, research results showed that participants valued most the ability to function in high-risk situations, taking a leadership role, gaining higher levels of self-confidence, the ability to work better in a team and an increased appreciation of natural resources. |
OAE Tool Kit
If you wish to find out more about Outdoor Adventure Education and it's use in youth work - feel free to download “OAE Tool Kit” - a handbook created as a part of project's follow-up.
Main aim of the handbook is to introduce readers to the concept of Outdoor Adventure Education, the main principles and models it’s based upon, and couple of activities used during the training. The handbook can be used as a helping tool for youth workers and other interested parties in planning and implementation of future projects and activities related to use of Outdoor Adventure Education. |
This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.