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ABSTRACT
This article explores the influential role of planning on recognition-primed decision-making. Considerable prior thinking occurs and there is a need to trace and account for the cognitive processes that precede and guide decisions in dynamic outdoor environments. Seven expert leaders from four countries were interviewed about memorable decisions made on outdoor journeys with an educational focus on land, sea and ice. Four stages of planning were identified: (1) long-term preparation; (2) formal leadership meetings; (3) day-by-day planning on route and (4) thinking immediately prior to the event. The stages sequentially capture the planning progression, illuminating the cognitive processes at each stage to culminate in option selection. In each decision situation, planned goals and actions were implemented through the creation and re-creation of micro-plans. As windows of opportunity presented themselves, the flexible execution of plans was a key feature. Planning provided the solid bedrock upon which decisions were made.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Mike Boyes
Mike Boyes is an Associate Professor in outdoor education at the School of Physical Education, Sport & Exercise Sciences; University of Otago, New Zealand. He has a background as an outdoor instructor and teacher. His research focuses on teaching and learning in the outdoors, education for sustainability, outdoor leadership and adventure engagement by older people.
Tom Potter, PhD is an Associate Professor in the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. His teaching and research interests blend to include the pedagogy of outdoor education, outdoor leadership, risk management, transportation safety and nature-based therapy.
Soren Andkjaer, PhD is an Associate Professor at the Department of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark. Søren is part of the Active Living Research Unit and his teaching and research interests include pedagogic, historical and cultural perspectives to outdoor education (friluftsliv), outdoor leadership, risk management and active living.
Martin Lindner, is a lecturer in the Department of Sport Science and Motology, Faculty of Education, University of Marburg and coordinates two Master’s degree courses in Adventure and Experiential Education and Transcultural European Outdoor Studies. His main interests are concepts of Bildung in outdoor and adventure education, youth work, and the communitisation in adventurous journeys and adventure education.