Applying outdoor skills and adventure education methods (10cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

Students
- increase their knowledge of methods in adventure education and further practise and develop their technical skills
- learn to choose appropriate methods and environments to meet the target group’s skill level and educational goals
- recognize their own skills and competencies and adapt them effectively in appropriate environments
- evaluate their competency development needs and take action for improvement
- demonstrate advanced safety and risk management skills with appropriate procedures and documentation

Content

Students improve their knowledge of applying adventure educational skills and methods. Students practise the use of outdoor activities as a method for educational purposes and strengthen their understanding and comprehension of the subject matter. Students improve their self-awareness of evaluating their competence in order to maintain safety in activities and by choosing appropriate environments. Students may specialize in one or more adventure education activities and become competent in planning, implementing and evaluating them.

Location and time

Expedition path: Winter skills expedition in February/March, Mountain skills expedition Norway in August

Project path: December - May

Teaching methods

Applications of leadership in adventure education (5 ECTS) and Applying outdoor skills and adventure education methods (10 ECTS) courses form a study module, which is implemented as Project and Expedition paths. 'Adventure education processes' (5 ECTS) course is carried out in parallel with this study module. The studies represent the final phase of technical and leadership skill development and are scheduled to take place during the spring/summer period of the second year.

The expedition path involves travelling and is structured around preparatory weeks and expeditions. It consists of two parts, which build on each other: 1) Winter Skills Expedition in Ylläs, and 2) Mountain Skills Expedition in Norway. This study path incurs fees that must be paid in advance: 120 € for the Winter expedition and 300 € for the Mountain expedition. This expedition fee is already included in the Tuition fee for non EU/EEA students.
Additionally, students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expences:
- travel expenses to the starting locations: the start of the Winter Expedition is in Äkäslompolo and the Norway Expedition in Rovaniemi
- accommodation in Äkäslompolo during winter skills preparatory week

The project path is divided into two sections: 1) Technical skills development and 2) Target Group Project. There are no additional fees or travel expenses for the project path; however, students are required to participate in activity days and day hikes, which are accessible via public transportation.