The ubiquitous use of the term "transformation" in experiential education has blurred its specific meaning in any given case. Designing an effective curriculum requires instructors to determine what kind of transformation they would like to generate. A review of two research projects provides insights about different types of personal…

In two articles on outdoor programming models, Watters distinguished four models on a continuum ranging from the common adventure model, with minimal organizational structure and leadership control, to the guide service model, in which leaders are autocratic and trips are highly structured. Club programs and instructional programs were in between,…

Dr. Tom Smith, 1996 recipient of the Kurt Hahn Award, discusses life experiences that made him aware of the wilderness beyond and within, illuminated the connectedness of all things, and fueled his efforts to guide others to understand these important lessons. He questions whether outdoor education is reaching its full potential in teaching about…

This digest examines the positive effects on emotional well-being of several types of outdoor education programs. Although many outdoor education and experiential programs enhance emotional growth, such "therapeutic" outcomes may be considered incidental to program goals. In contrast, programs aimed primarily at "therapy"…

During a 1-day ropes course, 84 university residence assistants were exposed to 1 of 3 facilitation techniques (no debriefing, debriefing following experience, and using metaphors to frame upcoming experience). Results indicate that the experience was effective in producing individual and group change, metaphoric facilitation produced greater…

Describes the current situation of adventure education in Germany. Discusses sites in schools and youth clubs, important carriers of adventure education in Germany, popular methods and activities, the concept of "metaphorical learning" as a means of transferring learning to everyday life, publications, principles of experiential…

Many outdoor educators and adventure therapists share the belief that adventure experiences improve participant self-esteem. Recently, researchers have begun to question this widespread belief, suggesting that a mismatch between the level of physical or psychological risk and the level of client readiness may produce negative outcomes. A study of…

This book provides an overview of an evolving orientation to the facilitation of growth and learning that can be summarized as "challenge education." Challenge education is a complex synthesis of a variety of therapeutic, educational, recreational, rehabilitative, and enrichment strategies. Chapter 1 outlines the historical roots of challenge…

This proceedings contains conference papers and abstracts of papers concerned with research into the processes and outcomes of outdoor and adventure education. Following a preface, "What Have We Been Doing?" (Anderson B. Young), the papers are: (1) "Components of the Outdoor Trip: What Really Happens?" (Alan Ewert, Jim…

This document contains 20 edited presentations, each in a two-page digest-like format, from the 1998 conference of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). Presentations are: (1) "Adapting Equipment and Teaching Methods for Persons with Disabilities" (Cindy Dillenschneider); (2) "Adventure Programming and Facilitating When You Don't Know…

This proceedings contains 36 papers presented at the 25th Annual Conference of the Association for Experiential Education. Papers are: "The Woods and the Trees: Interpreting Experiential Education for Schools and a Greater Audience" (Joanna Allen, John Hutchinson); "Adventure Programming & Prevention of Adolescent Problem…

This proceedings contains articles and workshop summaries from the 1991 conference of the Association for Experiential Education. Both articles and workshop summaries are categorized into the similar areas of: (1) open track, an outline of curriculum and models for training volunteer practitioners; (2) adventure alternatives track, discussing…

These proceedings comprise descriptions of approximately 120 workshops and presentations. Entries range from short workshop descriptions to full-length papers. Topics cover various bases, applications, and outcomes of experiential learning techniques, including community-based experiences for at-risk secondary students, using the Internet,…

This proceedings includes 18 papers and abstracts of papers presented at the third biennial research symposium of the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors. Following an introduction, "Strengthening the Foundations of Outdoor Education" (Anderson B. Young, Leo H. McAvoy), the papers and abstracts are: "Research in Outdoor…

This conference proceedings includes 66 papers, workshop descriptions, and abstracts concerned with experiential education; outdoor education; adventure-based education, counseling, and therapy; and outdoor leadership. Topics include various aspects of program design and administration; experiential educational practices and group facilitation…