CONT808: Outdoor Experiential Education
This course is designed to give educators the tools necessary to actively immerse learners in the curriculum through outdoor experiential learning. By analysing and implementing foundational principals, you will be able to support holistic learning environments that elevate learner participation. Through the exploration of engaging resources, the creation of authentic tasks and the application of course concepts, you will come away with skills to create an engaging and inclusive experiential outdoor learning program.
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn and Do
In this course you’ll have the opportunity to
- analyze the foundational pedagogical principles of Outdoor Experiential Education to understand their significance in promoting holistic learner development
- apply Kolb's Learning Cycle to the design and implementation of experiential learning opportunities that engage learners in reflective outdoor experiences
- design authentic assessment and evaluation criteria for an outdoor setting which fosters learner agency and growth and promotes learning in Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development
- connect ethical frameworks, Indigenous perspectives and accessibility issues to develop inclusive outdoor education programming honouring learner diversity
- create comprehensive program plans aligned with curriculum expectations and provincial legislation which integrate risk management strategies to ensure an equitable environment for all learners
- synthesize research-informed practices and pedagogical approaches to promote social justice, democratic citizenship and environmental sustainability within outdoor education programs
- illustrate how justice, citizenship and sustainability principles within Outdoor Experiential Education contexts advocate for inclusion and address systemic inequalities and promote environmental stewardship
- apply leadership skills and facilitation strategies to effectively engage learners in outdoor learning experiences that promote teamwork, critical thinking and environmental awareness
- evaluate the role that Outdoor Experiential Education plays in fostering global citizenship, advocacy for sustainability and community engagement
- design a program plan that integrates course concepts and demonstrates proficiency in planning, implementing and assessing outdoor learning experiences
Assessments
Module 1
The Value of Outdoor Education
Module 2
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Progress Update 1
Module 3
Ethical Considerations and Inclusive Practices
Module 4
Standards, Accreditation and Risk Management
Progress Update 2
Module 5
Equity in Assessment and Evaluation
Module 6
Leadership, Global Citizenship and Environmental Sustainability
Progress Update 3
Module 7
Consolidation of Learning
Final Report