HLPE3412 Facilitating Learning and Development in Outdoor Environments

In this topic students will explore the use of outdoor environments and adventure activities specifically to facilitate learning and development. They will be introduced to a range of concepts relating to the dynamics and functioning of groups and personal and social development to determine how these activities and environments can be utilised to promote greater learning and development. Students consider the value of challenge, engaging socially, understanding self and connecting with the environment to facilitate meaningful learning across a variety of contexts to a range of clientele. Learning will be applied through practical experiences in the field and students will have the opportunity to connect with industry.

This topic aims for students to be able to use outdoor adventure activities and experiences as a medium in which learning and development occurs for groups and individuals. They will apply the role of the leader and overlay facilitation of learning utilising outdoor environments. Students will be provided with the opportunity to:

• Engage in leadership of outdoor activities and experiences
• Apply camp craft and group facilitation techniques
• Facilitate learning experiences in a range of outdoor environments
• Effectively manage a group of participants in extended outdoor experiences, including safe operating procedures and legal responsibilities

1. Independently under supervision plan, deliver and evaluate learning in outdoor environments
2. Identify a range of applications for outdoor learning experiences
3. Analyse the value of outdoor environments and challenge activities as a place and means of learning and development to apply learning to future experiences
4. Analyse the impact of engaging in outdoor activities on personal, social, affective, cognitive and physical domains of learning
5. Discuss and apply their developing philosophy relating to the use of outdoor environments for a range of educational and developmental purposes