Journal article
Learning to be a group facilitator in outdoor education: using self-awareness to overcome fears and be fully present
Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, Vol.19(4), pp.287-300
2019
Abstract
Facilitating groups in outdoor education can sometimes be very challenging, and self-doubt and the fear of facilitating inadequately add to difficulties that facilitators must sometimes manage. In this paper, I will explore some of the ways by which facilitators contribute to the difficulties they experience and, furthermore, to explore some solutions. Negative self-talk can sabotage our best intentions as facilitators, by reducing the levels of free attention that are needed to facilitate well. I draw on the findings of a naturalistic inquiry conducted with 7 facilitator educators and 104 graduates of facilitator education programmes. Data collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation and qualitative surveys were analysed using the constant comparison method. . Based on my research findings, I contend that outdoor education programmes do not need perfect facilitators. Rather, facilitators who can be authentic, self-aware and fully present for their groups will improve outdoor education programs.
Details
- Title
- Learning to be a group facilitator in outdoor education: using self-awareness to overcome fears and be fully present
- Authors
- Glyn J Thomas (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, Vol.19(4), pp.287-300
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Date published
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1080/14729679.2018.1509720
- ISSN
- 1472-9679
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450615502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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