Many outdoor educators and adventure therapists share the belief that adventure experiences improve participant self-esteem. Recently, researchers have begun to question this widespread belief, suggesting that a mismatch between the level of physical or psychological risk and the level of client readiness may produce negative outcomes. A study of…

This newsletter contains 14 items on cooperative learning and outdoor education, with a particular focus on environmental education and ecology. "Cooperative Teaching/Learning Strategies and Objectives in Outdoor/Environmental Education" by Clifford E. Knapp is about cooperative teaching and learning strategies in outdoor education and…

Quantitative data and descriptive data (written self-evaluation and journal entries) were collected from young adults participating in a standard 26-day Outward Bound course during a quasi-experimental control group design experiment to determine the degree to which participation in a high risk wilderness program leads to self-discovery,…

The use of adventure based education is a new and relatively unresearched but apparently successful practice in the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents. Courses offered by schools, state social service systems, juvenile courts, youth service bureaus, and other agencies are generally patterned after the standard Outward Bound course and involve…

This book is a collection of feminist analyses of various topics in experiential education, particularly as it applies to outdoors and adventure education, as well as practical examples of how women's experiences can contribute to the field as a whole. Following an introduction, "The Quilt of Women's Voices" (Maya Angelou), the 25…

Traditional ethics are founded on unquestioned principles that transcend the limitations of a particular person. The result is that behavior is judged on how well people follow rules, not on how well they treat one another. This essay contends that applying this patriarchal approach to teaching situations ignores the needs of students in…

Adventure education is filled with "doers," which improves practice but does not necessarily enhance theory. This book addresses that gap by examining the philosophy of adventure education. Chapter 1 examines foundational principles, which have their roots in the ideas of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, and Dewey, and…

This book provides an overview of an evolving orientation to the facilitation of growth and learning that can be summarized as "challenge education." Challenge education is a complex synthesis of a variety of therapeutic, educational, recreational, rehabilitative, and enrichment strategies. Chapter 1 outlines the historical roots of challenge…

This proceedings contains conference papers and abstracts of papers concerned with research into the processes and outcomes of outdoor and adventure education. Following a preface, "What Have We Been Doing?" (Anderson B. Young), the papers are: (1) "Components of the Outdoor Trip: What Really Happens?" (Alan Ewert, Jim…

Outdoor adventure education is an experiential method of learning which takes place primarily through sensory involvement with the outdoors. Characteristics of adventure education include uncertain outcomes, risk, inescapable consequences, energetic action, and willingness to participate. Adventure education occurs in a diversity of venues,…

The article briefly explains three stages of small group development and suggests ways to apply existing knowledge of group dynamics to outdoor education settings. The article explains the role of expectation, conflict, and stress in behavior change that occurs in the context of extended field excursions. (SB)

Suggests that both traditional ethics and values education fail in their dichotomous treatment of religion and spirituality. Describes an alternative approach to ethical and moral problem solving in the adventure milieu that incorporates participants' cultural religious traditions and allows the application of these forces and principles to…

All providers of outdoor leadership training must cooperate in introducing race, gender, and class issues in their programs. Recommendations include using experiential methodologies, offering social justice training in all training venues, developing outdoor leadership texts that cover social justice topics, and making social justice training a…

Examines traditional outdoor education leadership training, emphasizing value of "soft" or "people" skills. Describes how Experiential Leadership Education, a systematic approach to teaching outdoor leadership, uses three teaching and group dynamics models. Examines Experiential Leadership Education applications. Suggests…

Summarizes an experiential training trip for teachers and river guides in the Auburn State Recreation Area (California). Explores the connection of man with water and relates this connection to the California History/Social Studies Framework. Outlines themes for student research and recommends resources for teacher training and for curriculum…