Mckenna, Christine Heather

An inquiry into the perceived benefits of adventure education in the context of community building and personal growth.

Keywords: experiential education, community building, character education

Abstract

The researcher chose to investigate this topic because of her extensive personal experience with children in adventure settings. The researcher observed growth and learning and wondered why and how extended overnight adventure based trips had such a profound experience on its participants. The study attempts to understand how adventure education can help teachers build community in their classrooms. It also aims to suggest how this type of learning can be possible in schools. The participants from this study were drawn from experienced teachers who have lead and participated in several (at least 3) adventure based trips with their students. The results suggest that emotional and spiritual growth are among the strongest perceived benefits of adventure education from a teacher’s viewpoint. The results also suggest that deep learning about community also occurs.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my research participants for being so inspired by the growth and learning of their students. I also thank the community at Northwaters Wilderness Programs for their inspiration and endless encouragement. I would also like to thank my friends at OISE for always supporting me with their love and advice. I would like to extend a big thank you to my research advisors Clive Beck and Tim Fletcher. Lastly I would like to thank my husband for supporting me in every sense of the word throughout my time as a Masters student and especially during the course of this research project.