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Abstract
This article explores the current state of knowledge regarding the use of autonomous student experiences (ASE) in outdoor and adventure education (OAE) programs. ASE are defined as components (e.g., solo, final expedition) in which participants have a greater measure of choice and control over the planning, execution, and outcomes of their learning. The article discusses the importance of ASE in experiential education and reviews major findings and supporting evidence in the relevant literature. Outward Bound and the National Outdoor Leadership School are highlighted as OAE programs that incorporate evidence-based research into their course designs. The article concludes with an examination of existing gaps in the knowledge and a discussion of topics for future ASE research.
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Author Biographies
Dr. Brad Daniel has more than 25 years of experience working in adventure education, environmental education, and wilderness programming. He has served as a college professor, consultant, field instructor, program designer, researcher, and author. Currently, he is Professor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies at Montreat College where he co-chairs the Outdoor Education Department.
Dr. Andrew Bobilya currently serves as Co-Chair of the Outdoor Education Department at Montreat College where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in outdoor education and environmental education. He has 20 years of experience as an instructor, trainer, program coordinator, and professor for various outdoor and adventure education programs.
Kenneth R. Kalisch has more than 35 years of experience in outdoor and wilderness programming as a college professor, field instructor, program manager, researcher and author. He authored The Role of the Instructor in the Outward Bound Educational Process and is currently an Associate Professor of Outdoor Education at Montreat College where he coordinates the Outdoor Ministry program.
Dr. Leo McAvoy is a professor emeritus in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota. He has an extensive record of research and publication in experiential education and outdoor education. He taught courses in outdoor adventure program management for 33 years, including a number of field-based courses in wilderness.
