Study plan - Outdoor Education and Nordic Friluftsliv - Winter

Outdoor Education and Nordic Friluftsliv - Winter is a 30 ECTS study running in the spring semester. The study consisting of two modules of 15 ECTS and is offered exchange students with at least one year of relevant studies. The students will learn about Norwegian outdoor traditions (friluftsliv) in winter and spring season, share outdoor practices and cultures of their home countries and learn the pedagogic used in friluftsliv. Through several day- and multiday excursions, the students will learn basic outdoor skills as well as knowledge about the nature environment. The students will specialize in Friluftsliv Winter and Experiential Education and Friluftsliv.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the study Outdoor Education and Nordic Friluftsliv - Winter, the candidate will have acquired the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competency:

Knowledge

The candidate:

• is able to communicate knowledge of outdoor education and plan and implement selected outdoor activities
• has general knowledge of norms, regulations and laws related to the practice of outdoor activities
• has basic knowledge about winter conditions and snow
• is able to plan, organize and implement trips with safe outdoor activities for various group
• has knowledge about the learning theory of Experiential Education and Outdoor Education in the Norwegian school curriculum
• is familiar with and employ appropriate methods in academic research and development work in outdoor studies

Skills
The candidate:

• is able to demonstrate basic practical skills in outdoor activities, based on the local nature and culture
• has acquired basic skills and experience of planning, organizing and guiding in various types of outdoor activities
• can design, facilitate and evaluate experiential learning situations in nature

General competency
The candidate:

• can independently and critically continue to develop own competence and specialization in the practice field of outdoor education
• is able to plan and implement safe outdoor activities for various groups
• can analyze relevant academic and practical issues and implement projects in the field of outdoor education
• can contribute to sustainable and environmentally friendly development in the field of outdoor education
• is self-aware and can critically reflect on own pedagogical practice and adapt to new teaching situations in nature

Content

The program consists of theory about, and practical excursions in the winter mountain and forest. Students will acquire basic knowledge and experience linked to safe backcountry skiing in winter conditions. Factors as; terrain, snow conditions, weather and the human factor are central in the Nordic backcountry skiing traditions. A theoretical part in the program are the cultural tradition rooted in the history of backcountry skiing and Norwegian polar history. There are backcountry skiing overnight excursions in huts, tent and snow cave. First aid has focus on challenges in a cold environment.

The program explores experiential learning, teacher role in the outdoors and outdoor education in culture through school curricula. The course is built up around two multi-day excursions and several day excursions. Along the course, the students will move from participants to leading and facilitating learning in natural landscapes.

Teaching

The teaching and learning methods are varied and will include excursions, lectures, seminars, group-, and individual work. The subject matter will as far as possible be integrated and experienced through practical teaching. On trips and excursions, methodological considerations will play a central role, together with a high level of personal ability and mastery of skills in outdoor activities. The students will be involved in planning, executing and evaluating the excursions.

Compulsory learning activities will help the students to reach the learning outcome of planning safe outdoor activities and trips, and using experimental education to learn friluftsliv in schools.

Assessment

One oral exam and one digital home exam