Take Class Outdoors with Foundations of Adventure Education
What courses can I take in college? What are the best classes to take at UNH?
Welcome to our course spotlight blog series, where we spotlight courses from different colleges and programs at the University of New Hampshire. Follow along to see what makes these courses stand out and what UNH students learn from them.
Today, we're putting the spotlight on Foundations of Adventure Education, a course in the recreation management & policy department. Learn from Brent Bell, Associate Professor of Recreation Management & Policy, what it's like to take a course where curiosity is prioritized, and class is held outdoors.
Professor Brent Bell holding Foundations of Adventure Education class outdoors
What do students learn in Foundations of Adventure Education?
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with a foundation in adventure education leadership, which can be applied to recreational, educational and therapeutic goals. In this class, students explore theoretical viewpoints used to understand the processes, outcomes and contexts of adventure-based outdoor education.
Students in Foundations of Adventure Education participating in the "helium stick" activity
What hands-on learning experiences do students have in this course?
This class is outdoors until the Thanksgiving holiday. We meet every day on what the students call "Brent Rocks," which is located in front of DeMeritt Hall. It's great having class outside every day! Each class offers a short lecture and introduction to problems, a hands-on activity to highlight theories and issues and then some learning experience. The class participates in mock trials, student-led presentations, small group discussions and adventure activities such as hikes and overnight camping trips.
One class activity is called "helium stick," in which students try to lower a metal tent pole, while at the same time never having anyone's finger lose contact with the pole. The task of lowering something while not losing contact creates a challenge where leadership roles will emerge.
What skills will students gain in this course for their future?
Students learn that education can be framed effectively through more active experiences. Students also learn about the unique responsibilities of managing the recreational adventure experiences of others.
Professor Brent Bell teaching Foundations of Adventure Education outdoors
What's your approach to mentoring your students?
I ask for students to come to class curious and to be ready to talk in every class. Education comes from thinking, so I am trying to present ideas that cause them to think with a high level of engagement. If the students are not engaging with the material, then I shift gears and find the space in which everyone wants to share. I have lots of activities to turn to; some I have created for this course, some adapted from what I was taught and sometimes I get a new inspiration.
What do students love about this course?
Students report loving the activities, being outside and getting to know the students in their class so well.
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