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Unit 2 Learning Activity 2.4

Moving the Classroom Outdoors: Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning in Action

Author:

Herbert W. Broda, Ph.D. is a professor emeritus of education at Ashland University in Ohio where he teaches courses with a focus on middle school education, instructional methods, and outdoor education at both the graduate and undergraduate level.

Is the source up to date?

Yes, it was published in 2011.

What are the intentions of the author? Who is the intended audience?

Moving the Classroom Outdoors: Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning in action builds on his first book, Schoolyard-Enhanced learning, published in 2006. Broda wrote Moving the Classroom Outdoors to provide teachers and school administrators practical ideas how they can enhance the learning experience of their students by using the whole school, both inside and outdoors. Broda provides helpful ideas, tips, and guides for schools in an urban, suburban, or rural setting. The book discusses the use of technology and how to integrate technology into outdoor education to enhance student experience and learning.

Publication type/Process – Who published the article? Was the article peer reviewed?

It was published by Stenhouse Publishers located in Portland, Maine.  Stenhouse provides professional development resources for educators to inspire independent, critical, and creative thinking in their students.

Are there any obvious biases and/or special interests that the author acknowledges?

The contents of the book were developed through Broda’s experience as an elementary school teacher, his work at Ashland University, and countless conversations with teachers, administrators, students, and through a partner with schools across North America to develop an outdoor education program to inspire students and connect them with nature.

 

References

Broda, H. W. (2011). Moving the Classroom Outdoors: Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning in Action. http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=36d677b2-4b7c-4c12-924c-c43e37e2ae3d%40sessionmgr4006&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=e000xna&AN=375985

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Unit 2 Learning Activity 2.3

The Impact of Wilderness Therapy: Utilizing an Integrated Care Approach

Authors:

Anita Tucker, PhD, LICSW is an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of New Hampshire. She is also the Chair of Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group of Association for Experiential Education (AEE).

Christine Lynn Norton, PhD, LCSW is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Texas State University. She is also a member of the AEE Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group’s Leadership Council, and a Research Scientist with the Outdoor Behavioural Healthcare Center.

Steven M. DeMille, PhD, LCMHC, is the Research Director and therapist at RedCliff Ascent, and Outdoor Behavioural Healthcare program.

Jessalyn Hobson is a graduate student at the University of New Hampshire in the dual masters program in Social Work and Kinesiology: Outdoor Education.

Is the source up to date?

Yes, it was first published in 2015.

What are the intentions of the author? Who is the intended audience?

The article is for mental health professionals and others that are concerned with the physical and mental development and well being of adolescence. The authors examine the changes in body composition of youth taking part in wilderness therapy along with mental health outcomes.

Publication type/Process – Who published the article? Was the article peer reviewed?

The article was published through the Journal of Experiential Education, which is peer-reviewed scholarly journal covering a broad range of topics such as “outdoor adventure programming, service learning, environmental education, therapeutic applications, research and theory, the creative arts, and much more.” (http://www.aee.org/jee)

Are there any obvious biases and/or special interests that the author acknowledges?

The authors of the study acknowledged potential biases or conflict of interest as Steven DeMille is employed by RedCliff Ascent, where the date was collected. However, DeMille was not involved in the collection or analyzes of data.

 

References

Tucker, A., Norton, C. L., DeMille, S. M., & Hobson, J.. (2015) The Impact of Wilderness Therapy: Utilizing an Integrated Care Approach. Journal of Experiential Education, 39 (1), 15 – 30. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053825915607536
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Learning Activity 1.2

The primary factors that influence my decision-making process as a leader are:

·       Personal beliefs and values

o   Is my decision consistent and faithful to my faith in Christ?

·       Mission, vision, and value statement of the organization

o   Does my decision align with the mission, vision, and values of the organization?

·       Research

o   Is my decision in line with best practices? Can relevant evidence support my decision?

·       The Big Picture

o   Does my decision support the overall growth of the organization and our collective goals?

One’s worldview influences their decision-making process, the questions they ask and how they attempt to answer them whether they realize it or not. Everyone holds certain biases or beliefs that blind influence them. For example, within the field of psychology and the scientific community, you will find many presuppositions consistent with an atheistic naturalistic worldview. I hold beliefs and biases that influence my decisions.

I believe the metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical understanding presented by the Christian worldview provides the foundation of all knowledge, both rational and empirical while offering a theory of ethics founded on objective principles. My beliefs influence:

·       How I interact with staff, students, and parents

·       My belief every student can function at a high level

·       My ability to tolerate those I disagree with

What are the presuppositions of your organization? What worldview are they consistent with? How do they influence the culture of the organization? Is there a tension between your worldview and your organization’s?

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Learning Activity 1.1

For as long as I can remember I have not only relied on research but thoroughly enjoyed the process. “Research” was at the forefront as I studied philosophy and history in my undergrad and as I completed my bachelor of education.

In my professional life as a teacher, a student, and lifelong learner research coupled with my worldview provide the necessary foundation, tools, and knowledge to navigate the complex and challenging field of education effectively.

In my personal life, as a husband and a father to two German Shepherds research is paramount as I seek to be a faithful servant of God, and provide for my family. The ability to locate, identify and decipher between good and bad information is vital, regardless if one is buying a new phone, vehicle, or home, or drafting their fantasy keeper league.

Research is necessary for all aspects of one’s life.

As a teacher and a leader within my school community, I have the privilege to not only influence the students in my class but also influence school-wide policy. Many of our students suffer a great deal of trauma. As a result, many of them exhibit severe social, emotional, and behaviour issues. As a Christian, my worldview confirms the inherent value of everyone, regardless of their age or ability because everybody was created in the image of God. This belief has allowed me to see the potential in all students which motivates me to create an effective school-wide policy that will support the growth of all students. Through personal experience, reading numerous research studies on trauma victims, and relying on the opinion of experts we are in the process of creating a policy of grace. We desire to create the necessary environment that will allow the growth of an authentic relationship between students and staff that will begin the healing process.

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Clarifying your Research Interest (Assignment 1)

“Graphic Organizers” are not a tool I would typically employ as my mind does not work that way. They usually create a great deal of frustration. Many that know me would be surprised that there is a perfectionist deep within me, which swiftly reared its ugly bearded face as I began this assignment, hence the symmetrical nature of my concept map. Without further to do, here are seven – after all seven is the Biblical number of perfection – potential research questions I identified:

  1. How can I incorporate the Christian worldview coupled with classical education into a public setting to ensure the development of the whole child (mind, body, and soul)?
  2. How can teachers and leaders stress academic rigour while also providing a culture of healing for students with severe trauma?
  3. How can outdoor adventure, sports, and nutrition contribute to the healing process of trauma victims? How relevant are lessons learned through sports to academic success?
  4. How does overall health and wellness affect professional and personal life?
  5. How to effectively schedule a time to allow staff to build relationships with each other and students without the pressure of academics? What effect do relationships have on academic success and healing?
  6. Should Biblical principles influence how we care for all of God’s creation? How would farming change? Nutrition? Our daily lives?
  7. Can teaching skills of self-reliance empower and bring about healing in the life of trauma victims?

To satisfy my current professional need but also my long-term personal interest and goals I believe some combination of 3, 6, and 7 offer the greatest research potential. Such as:

How can outdoor adventure, sport, and proper nutrition impart skills of self-reliance to empower and heal those of trauma to bring about academic achievement?

I desperately want to focus on stewardship and sustainable farming, and I am confident that it would be a valuable tool in healing, but I feel right now it is not relevant to my current situation and it will have to wait. I have chosen this research question for the following reasons:

  • Majority of students at my school have suffered some form of trauma (sexual abuse, neglect, personal abuse, observing abuse between parents, etc.)
  • Many students suffer from low self-esteem and mental health issues
  • All students are performing below grade level
  • Lack of social and emotional skills among students
  • Current system is failing them, some form of alternative schooling is needed

As one can see, research in the area of trauma and healing will provide the greatest positive impact on my school and the local community. It is for that reason alone I have chosen it over other areas of great personal interest.

To effectively complete research I will turn to the field of education, healthcare, and psychology in the form of scholarly articles and books relevant to my topic.