Adventure education research struggles to measure components of the field's larger, complex processes and outcomes. Because valid measures provide the foundation of quantitative research, finding, assessing, and utilizing good measures of the outcomes and processes of adventure education are necessary. Describes measurement techniques, validity,…

The field of adventure family therapy has emerged as a means to construct lasting functional change for troubled youth. Seven reasons why adventure therapy can be successful with troubled youth are: (1) therapeutic processes are centered in action-oriented experiences; (2) therapy is conducted in an unfamiliar environment; (3) adventure therapy…

This paper presents a model for determining appropriate provider qualifications in a variety of adventure settings, in which adventure-based activities are used, but particularly the qualifications and training needs of adventure therapists. The model is based on the premise that the skill and educational needs of providers increase with the…

This paper stresses the outdoor recreation and education professionals should understand aspects of liability, negligence, and risk management. There are four elements that must be present if a person or organization is to be considered negligent: the presence of a legal duty of care, a breach of duty, proximate cause, and actual damages. When…

Effective group leadership is not entirely about "good" or "bad" approaches, but rather the ability to choose an appropriate style for a particular situation. This paper examines three paradigms, or world views, that can influence the approach of a leader (facilitator, therapist, teacher) of adventure groups and gives examples…

Lesbian baiting, the attempt to control women's "unacceptable" behavior by labeling them as lesbians, is the intersection of two forms of oppression--sexism and homophobia. Sexism is the systematic subordination of women, based on the belief in the inherent superiority of men. Sexism has defined the roles that men and women fill in order…

Discusses implications of the aging U.S. population for the adventure education field. Examines bias against older people and how this bias can hinder the facilitation of learning. Suggests that experiential programs allow older clients to explain who they are, to coframe ("front-load") activities, to create their own metaphoric links,…

A study examining the characteristics of adventure recreation experiences concluded that people who enjoy adventure recreation seek out increasingly challenging opportunities, not higher levels of risk. Another study found that instructor skills rank as the most important determinant for participation in nature-based programs, and women rank it…

"Neo-Hahnian" approaches to outdoor adventure education assume their programs "build character." Social psychology research has found that "character" is almost entirely illusory. Outdoor adventure education programs may provide situations that elicit certain behaviors, but the belief in character building must be…

Discusses the need for women-only outdoor programs as an alternative to mixed programs, socialization and stereotyping of gender roles and behavior in society, and barriers to outdoor participation for women. Describes some women-only outdoor programs and their benefits and disadvantages. Provides recommendations concerning program design and…

Discusses the development of a national accreditation scheme for volunteer assessors in the expeditions section of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program for young people. Stages of accreditation include wild country experience, introductory learning and preparation, accreditation weekend, and induction assessments. Performance criteria are…

Studies examining physiological responses to stress during outdoor adventure activities found that regardless of participants' age or gender, some activities elicited a rapid heart rate and a strong neuroendocrine response, particularly for individuals with a low fitness level. Suggests that all participants in adventure activities be informed of…

Examines benefits of three models for evaluating outdoor adventure programs: program monitoring with debriefings and check-offs; experimental evaluation; and qualitative, naturalistic observation. Illustrates and compares approaches using California 4-H adventure ropes course. Examines data's specificity, assumptions, ambiguities, and followup.…

Explains the preexperience, experience, and postexperience phases of seven teaching styles: dictated, prescribed, directed, consulted, interpreted, automated, and shared. The most effective and appropriate style suits the situation, fits the preferences of leader and clients, and results in appropriate client independence. Although no single best…

Reviews Freud, Foucault, Eco, and critical theorists to examine features of postmodern society: a culture of violence, pervasive hidden forms of social control, voyeurism toward life, the sovereignty of instrumental rationality, and threats of fascism. Suggests the need for critical practice in education that values rational self-clarity,…