OUTDOOR EDUCATION REINFORCES ABSTRACT LEARNING WITH CONCRETE EXPERIENCE. ITS RELATION TO THE CLASSROOM CURRICULUM IS LIMITED ONLY BY THE IMAGINATION OF THE INSTRUCTOR. OUTDOOR EDUCATION LENDS ITSELF TO THE EXPLORATORY OR DISCOVERY APPROACH TO LEARNING, WHEREBY QUESTIONING BY THE TEACHER CAUSES OBSERVATION AND REACTION BY THE STUDENT. THE RESIDENT SCHOOL CAMP PROGRAM IS THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND AFFORDS OPPORTUNITY FOR PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION IN COOPERATION WITH STUDENTS AND PARENTS. PROFESSIONAL TEACHER PREPARATION IN OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAN TAKE PLACE AT BOTH PRESERVICE AND INSERVICE LEVELS. APPENDICES INCLUDE LISTS OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OFFERING OUTDOOR EDUCATION COURSES, SELECTED FILMS ON OUTDOOR EDUCATION, AND SELECTED RESIDENT OUTDOOR SCHOOLS OR SCHOOL CAMPS
Outdoor learning usually refers to organized learning that takes place in the outdoors. Outdoor education programs sometimes involve residential or journey-based experiences in which students participate in a variety of adventurous challenges in the form of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, ropes courses, and group games. Outdoor education draws upon the philosophy, theory, and practices of experiential education and environmental education.
Your story Synopsis In just a few words, what’s the key message or idea you want to convey? Why does it matter? (i.e. technology providing or promoting inspiration, motivation, deep research, communication, connection, collegiality.) Finish the sentences: This is a story about . . . It’s important because . . . Setting Give your audience a sense of place. Urban, rural or suburban? Technology-rich or barely equipped? Help others imagine where you’re coming from. Key characters Who’s important to the story—a particular student; a group of teachers; or parents? Introduce us to your protagonist. Help us imagine him or her. Better yet, help us care. Plot What happened that’s compelling? What’s the source of tension or catalyst for change? A project that motivated students? Acquisition of technology that created new opportunities? A challenging situation that had to be resolved? Outcome What have been the lasting outcomes? Improved graduation rates? Higher test scores? Collaboration among teachers that changed practice? Better community and/or parental engagement? Connections beyond the classroom? What else? Why it matters What’s the value of sharing this story? How does it relate to improved student learning?
A FullSpectrum of Educational DayHikes
SchoolsOut - Educational Study Seminars - Below is a short description of the Educational DayHike; click on the color to find out more information and to schedule an Educational DayHike of your own.
Brown
GeoStudy - A study of the geology of New York State.
Pink
HistoryStudy - A study session to explore the history of the Adirondack Region.
Red
EnviroStudy - A study of the environment and ecology of New York State.
Orange
BodyStudy - A study of the link between physical ed and overall health and learning.
Yellow
MindStudy- A study session to bring the classroom outdoors.
Green
FloraStudy - A study of the flora of New York State.
Blue
OrniStudy - A study of the birds of New York State.
Indigo
CareerStudy - A look at career opportunities in the outdoors.
Violet
CollegeStudy - A look at colleges and programs geared for outdoor studies.