KPE 450 - Bringing the Classroom Outdoors

This course is for pre-service or in-service educators who wish to expand their skills in facilitating outdoor learning experiences for their students. After exploring the theories and research behind outdoor learning, we will shift our focus to practical, hands-on content for implementing outdoor learning. Emphasis will be placed on exploring and increasing skills in the following areas: use of experiential learning techniques in outdoor settings; risk and group management in outdoor settings; being comfortable in a variety of outdoor activities and environments; and creating effective and enriching outdoor learning experiences.

Course Note: This course meets the training requirements of the state of Maine’s Educational Trip Leader Permit, which allows educators to bring students outdoors in settings that would normally require a Registered Maine Guide Recreation license. Note that this course does not fulfill the Wilderness First Aid portion of the requirements.

Prerequisites: Junior Standing or permission

Course Typically Offered: Summer

Credits: 3