Outdoor Learning in Canada

Abstract

Outdoor Learning (OL) is an experiential process which takes place primarily through exposure to nature and the out-of-doors, where the emphasis is placed on one or more relationships concerning people and nature. The umbrella term of OL encompasses adventurous and environmental learning across four fields ordered by increasing complexity: recreation, education, development, and therapy.

* Recreation intends to change feelings (enjoying tourism, playing, learning new activity skills, relaxing, etc.) * Education intends to change thinking (schooling field trips, gaining new concepts, refreshing old ideas, generating awareness of need, etc.) * Development intends to change behaviour (enhancing positive conduct, growing functional actions, building teamwork, protecting nature, etc.) * Therapy intends to change resistance against efforts to transform well-being (diminishing negative conduct, easing dysfunction, healing, coping, etc.)

This book is intended for OL students, academics, and practitioners, including camp counsellors, heritage interpreters, environmental educators, activity technicians, skills instructors, tourism outfitters, recreational guides, developmental facilitators, licensed therapists, performance coaches, corporate team-builders, mental health professionals, Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, and interested members of the public.

Learning Outcomes: * Select appropriate approaches for teaching in the context of nature * Anticipate and overcome challenges for outdoor business enterprises * Incorporate best practices for skilled trades leading/guiding in the outdoors * Explore the diverse practices and perspectives on outdoor learning in Canada

The views expressed in this publication are the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Ontario or the Ontario Online Learning Consortium.