Outdoor Adventure Education: Foundations, Theories, Models, and Research steeps students in the theories, concepts, and developments of outdoor adventure education, preparing them for careers in this burgeoning field.
This text is based on author Alan W. Ewert’s pioneering book Outdoor Adventure Pursuits: Foundations, Models, and Theories. Ewert and Sibthorp, both experienced practitioners, researchers, and educators, explore the outdoor adventure field today in relation to the changes that have occurred since Ewert’s first book. The authors present a comprehensive text on outdoor and adventure foundations, theories, and research that will provide the basis for the next generation of professionals.
Outdoor Adventure Education offers a comprehensive view of the expanding discipline of outdoor adventure education in its various settings.
Part I Foundations
Chapter 1. Overview of Outdoor Adventure Education
Defining Adventure
Defining Outdoor Adventure Education
Types of Definitions
Evidence, Design, and Implementation
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Chapter 2. History of Outdoor Adventure Education
Early Explorers and Adventure Seekers
Exploration and the Quest for Adventure
Adventure in Transition
The Concepts of Leisure and Recreation
The Advent of Adventure Recreation
Formalized Schools of Adventure Education
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Chapter 3. Outdoor Adventure in Contemporary Practice
Programs and Practice
Components of the OAE Experience
Philosophical Basis
The Adventure Progression
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Chapter 4. Managing Motivation, Risk, Fear, and Stress
Motivations in OAE
Risk and Risk Taking
Fear in OAE
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Part II Theory
Chapter 5. Theoretical Constructs Used in Outdoor Adventure Education
Theory and Model Development
Dissecting the Concept of Theory
Models in Outdoor Adventure Education
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Chapter 6. Extant Theories and Key Constructs in Outdoor Adventure Education
Promising Explanatory Frameworks
Key Theories
Key Learning Constructs
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Chapter 7. Development Across the Life Span
Youth and Adolescents
Emerging Adults
Adults
Older Adults
Additional Views of Human Development
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Part III Research
Chapter 8. Evaluation Research
Common Purposes of Evaluation
Case Study: The WRMC Incident Reporting Database
Common Evaluation Techniques
Alternative Evaluations: Best Practices and Benchmarking
Common Limitations
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Chapter 9. Outcomes of Participation
Common Participation Outcomes
Program Qualities
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Chapter 10. State of OAE Research
The Role of Research
Early Research in OAE
OAE Research Matures
Current Trends
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Chapter 11. Improving Research
Challenges in OAE Research
Strengthening Research
Summary
Issues for Further Discussion
Chapter 12. Evolving Trends and Issues
Changing Levels and Types of Use
Impacts of Technology
Changing Values
Consumerism
Future Challenges
Summary
Issues for Future Discussion
Alan Ewert, PhD, is a distinguished and titled professor at Indiana University. He holds the Patricia and Joel Meier Endowed Chair in Outdoor Leadership and served as the editor of the Journal of Experiential Education. He was the 1996 recipient of the Reynold E. Carlson Award for Distinction in Outdoor Environmental Education; the 2002 recipient of the J.B. Nash Scholar Award through the American Association for Leisure and Recreation; the 2005 recipient of the Julian W. Smith Award through the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; and the 2013 Association of Experiential Education’s Distinguished Researcher. A prolific scholar, Ewert has published articles in a variety of journals and books related to outdoor leadership and recreation. He continues his professional service through numerous venues, including his status as a fellow and past president of the Academy of Leisure Sciences and one of the founding editors of the International Journal of Wilderness. Dr. Ewert also serves as a course director and instructor for Outward Bound and the Wilderness Education Association.
Jim Sibthorp, PhD, is associate professor and the coordinator of Adventure and Outdoor Programs in the department of parks, recreation and tourism at the University of Utah. He has written numerous publications in adventure-based programming and outdoor adventure education. Much of his current research stems from partnerships with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the American Camp Association. He has served the profession in many ways, including as co-chair of the NRPA Leisure Research Symposium, an editorial advisor for the Journal of Experiential Education, and an associate editor of Leisure Sciences and Research in Outdoor Education. He served on the research committees for Outward Bound and the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors. He is an active field instructor with NOLS, and he has received numerous awards, including Indiana University’s Eppley Alumni Award and the University of Utah College of Health Distinguished Mentor Award for his work with graduate students.