Developing a proposal for the implementation of Adventure Education in higher education.

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Nicholas Brian DeLangie (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Diane Gill

Abstract: Adventure Education is the field of study that uses human-powered activities in the wilderness to facilitate both individual and group growth and development. Over the past few decades, this field has focused on a return to the natural environment to provide experiential learning for students to develop both technical skills and higher-level personal skills in leadership, facilitation, reflection, and group dynamics. With recent research supporting the educational value of experiential learning and the career-focused skills that are fostered in Adventure Education, institutions may want to consider adding Adventure Education. Based on a multi-faceted study consisting of 211 student surveys, four interviews with administrative personnel, a current program analysis across 15 institutions with Adventure Education programs, and 10 surveys from program personnel in existing Adventure Education programs, a proposal and implementation guide for institutions to adopt an Adventure Education program was developed. When applied to a private, four-year institution the conclusion was that program cost and a need for new faculty may be barriers too large to overcome. However, results pointed to a new direction - adding universal, general education courses focusing on the same type of life-skills that Adventure Education offers.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2019
Keywords
Adventure, Curriculum, Outdoor
Subjects
Adventure education
Outdoor education
Experiential learning

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