FRI213 Adventrous Learning and Skill Development (Spring 2026)

Introduction

This course brings together the areas of personal skill development and the four principles of Adventurous Learning: uncertainty, authenticity, agency, and mastery. First, students will gain the knowledge needed to design and implement a personally relevant skill development program. Second, through drawing on the above four features and a broad range of educational and movement learning theories, students will practice applying theory to their skill development journey. As the course progresses, greater emphasis will be placed on facilitating other people's outdoor experiences through nature-guiding or health work.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students will be able to

• design and implement their own theoretically informed personal skill development plan (PDP)

• critically reflect on their implementation of the skill development plan (PDP)

• understand how the concepts of uncertainty, authenticity, agency and mastery can be used to plan, facilitate and evaluate nature-guiding and health promoting experiences

• gain experience in facilitating outdoor activities for groups using a range of conceptual models

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, workshops, seminars, day trips, multi-day trips, colloquia, and independent study.

Work requirements

To take the exam in the subject, the following work requirements must be approved

• Submission of audio review of a podcast germane to the course material.

• Facilitation of an outdoor group activity

• Active and constructive participation.  If a student is at risk of not fulfilling these criteria, they will be notified in writing by the course organizer. If the student’s performance does not improve markedly, they may fail the trip element of the course to be considered to have completed the course.

In special cases, where absence is due to extenuating circumstances, the course coordinator, in discussion with the student, will seek alternative ways to fulfil the mandatory assignments.

Assessment/exam

• Portfolio comprising 3 different assignments and tasks. Graded A-F.

  • Presentation of a personal development plan (PDP).

  • Presentation of the PDP journey.

  • Critical reflection on PDP process.

• Facilitate an outdoor learning session for a group. Graded A-F.

• Attendance. Passed/ not passed.

  • 100% attendance of trips and seminars, 80% attendance of all other time scheduled teaching.