We conducted a qualitative study of the experiences of 23 Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE) participants to determine what participants found significant about their course and to what course elements they attributed this significance. Participants experienced personal transformations, which they attributed to spending extended time in pristine…

The fields of environmental education, outdoor education, adventure education, and experiential education are linked by shared goals, objectives, and characteristics. National standards connect these fields to secondary education. In this preliminary study, the authors describe how aspects of the 4 fields are used by environmental educators in…

Presents a new definition of outdoor education. Describes the different approaches to outdoor education advocated in adventure education and environmental education. Proposes that an integration of approaches can result in a functional outdoor education experience. (ML)

Explored are the societal influences that have led to contemporary views surrounding the adventure experience. Adventure recreation and outdoor recreation are contrasted. The growth of the adventure recreation phenomenon is discussed. (CW)

Investigates the leadership characteristics of effective Colorado Outward Bound school instructors and examines criteria to be used in staff selection procedures. Biographical and personality data collected from 130 instructors at the Colorado school indicated a statistically significant correlation of a number of biographical characteristics with…

Addresses the relationship of fear to certain outdoor adventure activities that are a part of some environmental education programs. Describes the construct of fear, its use in outdoor environmental programs, and the results of two recent studies on fear. (TW)

Reviews the literature and identifies and explores five characteristics shown to exist in both the adventure-based learning environment and effective traditional classroom settings. Discusses small learning group size, cooperative learning environments, communication of high expectations for students, building on student success, creating a…

A study determines the effect of a six-day wilderness experience on self-concept, knowledge of and attitude toward the environment of twelfth grade students (n=61). Results indicate that changes in self-concept and environmental knowledge can occur from short-term wilderness experiences. (56 references) (MCO)