Outdoor education in Canada: a qualitative investigation

ABSTRACT

Outdoor education (OE) is a broad term referring to organized outdoor learning . Given Canada’s large size, sparse population, varied landscapes and diverse culture , developing a comprehensive understanding of the philosophies, goals and activities of OE in Canada is challenging. While Canada has a long history of OE, scholars struggle to articulate the ‘Canadian way(s)’ of OE. Therefore, this study seeks to describe the philosophies, goals, and activities of Canadian OE programs to stimulate the development of a deeper understanding of Canadian OE. An interpretative phenomenological analysis framework was used to explore 22 participant’s descriptions of their OE programs. Findings indicate that OE in Canada is influenced by a blend of philosophies that include hands-on experience, integrated learning, and journeying through the land. Common goals include personal growth and building community integrated with place consciousness and environmental goals. Hiking, canoeing and kayaking, skiing and snowshoeing were the most common activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Outdoor education
• experiential learning
• integrated learning
• Canada

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Patrick Daigle for conducting, transcribing, and translating interviews in Quebec.

Disclosure statement

There is no potential conflict of interest.

Notes

1. Grey, O. (1931). The men of the last frontier. London, UK: Country Life. (p.57)

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [435-2018-1499].

Notes on contributors

Morten Asfeldt

Morten Asfeldt is an outdoor educator who uses wilderness educational expeditions as a primary mode of teaching. His research interests include pedagogical aspects of educational expeditions, place-based education, and history and philosophy of outdoor education. Morten regularly journeys with student to the Canadian north in both winter and summer.

Rebecca Purc-Stephenson

Rebecca Purc-Stephenson is a professor of psychology. Her primary research includes health, illness, work, and access to services for the socially disadvantaged, and her studies use qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to develop practical theories. She also examines program goals and learning outcomes among outdoor education programs in Canada.

Mikaela Rawleigh

Mikaela Rawleigh is a graduate student in occupational therapy. Her current research includes outdoor education and offender rehabilitation. She will be pursuing research that focuses on innovative practices for vulnerable populations.

Sydney Thackeray

Sydney Thackeray is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in psychology. Her research includes the historical relationship between Mennonites and Indigenous peoples, bioregionalism, and outdoor education.