Leadership in adventure education (5cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

Students
- are familiar with the different styles of leadership and the methods of coaching pedagogy
- are familiar with the principles of outdoor leadership
- know how to apply self-leadership, active followership and designated leadership
- are aware of their leadership competencies and know how to progressively develop them
- familiarize themselves with a range of decision-making methods

Content

Students develop an understanding of leadership skills needed to implement safe and goal-oriented outdoor adventure activities. The course focuses on a range of leadership competencies and on how to develop them. Moreover, attention is paid to leaders’ self-awareness and on how to further develop the methods and practices of good leadership. Students learn to apply different leadership styles and decision-making methods, considering their own level of competence, the target group and the situation.

Teaching methods

This course consists of contact and online lectures, independent assignments and group projects. The group projects will include planning and organizing goal oriented workshops for first year AdEd students. The projects requires both independent and group work outside contact teaching.

Further information

Themes covered

- Safety skills: competences for outdoor leaders, self-awareness
- Technical skills: competences for outdoor leaders, self-awareness
- Group phenomenon: Expedition behaviour and stages of group development, Observing group dynamics basics, Conflict resolution, Decision making in various stages of group development and leader’s tasks/roles,
- Pedagogical skills: Principles of leadership, Definition of a good leader, Leadership quadrant Nols, Leadership styles principles, Self awareness, self leadership, active followership, peer leadership, designated leadership,
- Communication skills: Communication, listening, feedback
- Competences for outdoor leaders: safety, technical, environmental, instructional, organizational, facilitation, Self awareness and competence development, Fixed/growth mindset
- Judgement and decision making: rational/intuitive decision making, Group involvement/time, Human factors
- Environmental skills: Attitude, ethics, values, Sustainablility in planning processes and activities, Environmental competences

Acceptances to the course are made in the order of registration