EDF2175 - Human interactions and relationships in outdoor education - 2018

This unit introduces critical perspectives on human interactions and relationships in and with outdoor environments through outdoor education. This includes a study of the motivations for, and responses to, outdoor experiences amongst participants from diverse groups (e.g. socioeconomic status, cultural background, age, gender and physical ability) and how conflicts over access and use of outdoor environments arise and are resolved. The study of human interactions and relationships between people and communities, and with outdoor environments, and how this influences participation, is of critical importance in outdoor education (including intrapersonal, interpersonal, eco-systemic, reciprocal, community, and kinship approaches to relationships). In this unit students complete an investigation into the relational aspects, both social and environmental, of a significant outdoor education experience.

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the educational issues associated with diversity and inclusion in outdoor education
2. appraise the critical importance of different types of relationships (personal, social, cultural and environmental) and their contribution to outdoor education experiences
3. apply theoretical models of human relationships to real-world educational contexts
4. work collaboratively to solve complex problems in educational program design and evaluation.

Small group project: Program design and evaluation (2000 words equivalent, 50%)

Tests (2000 words equivalent, 50%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • workshops: 9 hours over the semester
   • 3-day intensive learning program
2. Additional requirements:
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per semester

See also Unit timetable information

Secondary health and physical education