FRIW101 Experiential Education and Friluftsliv

Contents and structure

The course explores experiential learning and friluftsliv through three modules;

1. Theoretical introduction to experiential learning and friluftsliv

2. Leadership and facilitations for learning in friluftsliv

3. Transformative outdoor education

The course is built up around two multi-day excursions and several day excursions, as well as a student-led learning project. Along the course, the students will move from participants to leaders in learning experiences in nature.

Module 1, Theoretical introduction to experiential learning and friluftsliv, explores the theoretical foundation of experiential learning and related learning perspectives as a teaching method in outdoor education. After some introductory lectures, the students will reflect on learning in nature on a multi-day excursion.

Module 2 Leadership and facilitations for learning in friluftsliv, explores the theoretical and practical implications on leading for learning in the outdoors. After some group work and seminars, the students will step into the leadership role and facilitate learning situations for each other on day excursions.

Module 3, Transformative outdoor education, challenges the students to consider the intention of outdoor education in a bigger picture. The students will explore how outdoor education can be used for transformative learning. This module ends with the students leading a day of learning in nature through the course requirement experiential education project.

The course finishes with a multi-day excursion in a spring environment. The students are responsible for designing and leading learning situations individually or in small groups on the final excursion.

Excursions:

• Day and multi-day excursions
• Student planned excursion

Learning Outcome

After completion of the course Experiential Learning and Friluftsliv, the student will have acquired the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competency:

Knowledge

The student

1. has knowledge about Norwegian outdoor education traditions and outdoor education in the Norwegian school curriculum
2. has knowledge about experiential learning and related learning theories in outdoor education
3. has knowledge about children’s and adults friluftsliv and nature's impact on development and learning
4. has knowledge about the leadership role in facilitating learning in natural landscapes

Skills

The student

1. can use pedagogic theory and didactic models to plan, lead and evaluate learning in outdoor education
2. can adapt different teaching methods and teaching styles depending on the situation's demand
3. can facilitate learning through the use of landscape and the learning group as resources

General competence

The student

1. can reflect on their own and others' pedagogic practice and show self-awareness in a teaching role
2. can utilise relevant academic and practical perspectives in implementing learning projects in natural environments
3. can contribute to sustainable and environmentally friendly outdoor education practices

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Be prepared for overnight excursions in tent and be able to carry a backpack with own equipment on excursions.

Teaching methods

The course consists of a mixture of lectures, group work and individual work. Student active learning forms such as project assignments and presentations are central to the course.

The subject matter will be integrated and experienced through practical teaching as far as possible. The course includes several day and multi-day excursions. The students will be involved in planning, executing, and evaluating the excursions.

Compulsory learning activities

Excursions: The students will practice their knowledge, skills and general qualification in experiential education through the excursions in this course. The students will be active in planning, executing and evaluating the excursions. The excursions work towards the following learning aims of the course:

• Knowledge 1, Skills 1, 2 and 3, General competence 1, 2, 3

Student presentation: The students will present a theoretical perspective on experiential learning and friluftsliv and implement this in a practical session with their peers as part of module 1 and 2 . This course requirement works towards the following learning aims:

• Knowledge 2 and 4, Skills 2, General competence 1 and 3

Experiential education project: Students will work in groups to plan, facilitate and evaluate an outdoor education session. This course requirement allows students to show their theoretical and practical skills in planning and leading learning through experiential education.

• Knowledge 2, Skills 1 and 3, General competence 2 and 3

Assessment

Oral exam based on the student's experiences and reflections on the compulsory learning activity Experiential education project.

Graded from A-F (A is best, F is failed).

Examination support material

Only what is provided on the exam by the examinators.

More about examination support material