The role of ‘pracademics’ in education and development of adventure sport professionals

ABSTRACT

Understanding and exploiting the synergy between theory and practice lies at the heart of effective education for outdoor professionals. Accordingly, and in an attempt to stimulate debate, this paper conceptualizes the interaction between theory and practice in the context of the education of outdoor professionals. We identify issues specific to the often separated worlds of practice and academia. While acknowledging those distinct skills and competencies, however, we also explore a mid-role; that of the ‘pracademic’ or scientist–practitioner or practitioner scholar, considering behaviours that may encourage greater collaborative work to inform the process and implementation of the education of outdoor professionals.

KEYWORDS:

• Coach
• leader
• guide
• instructor education
• philosophy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Loel Collins

Dr. L. Collins has worked in the adventure sport industry for over 30 years, formerly as Director of the National White water Centre and as Head of the paddelsport department at the National Mountain Centre. He is a BCU level 5 Coach in all recreational disciplines (White water, Sea and Surf kayak and Canoe). He is a prolific author, has written books, chapters and papers for peer-reviewed journals. He teaches at the University of Central Lancashire on the BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership and BA (Hons) Adventure sports Coaching degrees and is based in the Institute of Coaching and performance. He is one of a few researchers who have investigated the specifics of coaching adventure sports and his main interest lie in the understanding professional judgement and decision-making, teaching and learning in dynamic environments and adventure sport coach education.

Dave Collins

Prof D. Collins has over 300 peer review publications and 60 books/chapters. Research interests include performer/coach development, expertise and peak performance. As a psychologist, he has worked with over 70 World or Olympic medallists plus professional teams and performers. Current applied assignments include football, rugby, ski and snowboard and motorsport, plus work with non-sports organisations. Dave has coached to national level in three sports, is a 5th Dan Karate, Director of the Rugby Coaches Association and iZone Performance.