CONT918: Outdoor, Environmental and Experiential Education
Not all classrooms have four walls. Learning in the outdoors is a magical space where students can explore, discover more about themselves, and connect with both nature and their peers. It's a unique learning environment that's constantly changing, encouraging us to do the same.
This course will equip you with the skills and tools to become a competent and influential outdoor educator. You'll develop a deeper understanding of your leadership style, strengths, teamwork abilities, and technical skillset in the outdoors. You will learn to weave Indigenous perspectives into your outdoor education practice. By embracing Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, you'll foster a deeper appreciation for the environment and respect for local communities and cultures, recognizing how they are intertwined with the land and the stories it holds.
You'll discover how to use these tools and your knowledge of the environment and Indigenous culture to develop meaningful and robust lesson plans, course outlines, scope and sequences, risk assessments, and trip plans. You'll consolidate your learning by designing a multi-day outdoor excursion that meets a chosen program's requirements for school-aged students in your care and your educational practice.
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn and Do
In this course you’ll have the opportunity to
- build personal competence, learn outdoor survival skills, and develop ways to navigate group dynamics
- explore the interconnectedness of Indigenous culture, increased awareness of ourselves, teachings, and history connected to the natural environment
- identify your leadership style and discover how to use your strengths to become an influential outdoor education leader
- consider pedagogical approaches to teach and lead outdoor activities while promoting safe, inclusive, and positive experiences
- learn safety practices and how to complete risk assessments and plan an excursion for an outdoor program
- design an outdoor excursion by connecting the curriculum expectations and experiential learning opportunities
Assessments
Module 1
Team Building and Group Dynamics
Module 2
Environmental Awareness Through an Indigenous Lens
Progress Update 1
Module 3
Leadership Skills for the Outdoors
Module 4
Outdoor Survival Skills
Formative Assessment
Module 5
Safety and Risk Management
Progress Update 2
Module 6
Designing an Outdoor Program
Module 7
Planning an Outdoor Excursion
Summative Assessment