Applications of leadership in adventure education (5cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

Students
- Are able to apply leadership skills in practice with a variety of target groups
- Are able to apply coaching-based pedagogy and know how to facilitate a safe learning environment
- Know how to utilize a variety of leadership styles and demonstrate an understanding and comprehension of decision-making methods
- Demonstrate a variety of leadership competencies and are able to apply them with different groups
- Are able to plan and lead goal-oriented activities for different target groups and choose appropriate learning environments

Content

Students apply leadership skills in a variety of activities and target groups. Students further develop the use of different leadership styles and decision-making methods. Students demonstrate the ability to utilize appropriate activity, environment and intensity level to match their own skills and competencies as outdoor leaders. Students demonstrate an ability to coach and lead peers and further develop their understanding of different target groups. Students practise the use of reflective methods.

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.