About

Brendon Munge FHEA is a Lecturer in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies, and the Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies. Brendon is also the Program Coordinator for the Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies and the Diploma of Outdoor Environmental Studies.

Brendon has been awarded a Higher Education Academy Fellowship for his scholarship of teaching with evidence-informed practice, recognising the depth of scholarly knowledge, experience and skill as an educator.

The primary focus of Brendon's teaching has been on foundational knowledge and experience for new students in outdoor and environmental studies. However, he also has a significant component of his work that utilises expeditions, particularly bushwalking, as a method of engagement in outdoor education activities. Brendon has previously won three teaching and learning excellence awards, focusing on student engagement and learning.

He is currently researching the concept of outdoor educators as occupational athletes. He also focuses on fieldwork pedagogies in higher education, with publications on best practices in fieldwork and on innovative uses of technology in fieldwork applications. Further to this research, he is currently collaborating on three projects:

Exploring the Development of Nature Connection, Environmental Empathy, and Pro-Environmental Behaviours in Undergraduate Outdoor Education Students,

Near-peer teaching in Outdoor and Environmental Education,

A survey of the motivation, attitudes, and behaviours of outdoor recreation participants.

Previously, Brendon worked for eight years in the Outdoor and Environmental Education Department at La Trobe University. He was responsible for an introductory course for commencing students in outdoor living and travel skills, bushwalking as a means for engagement in expedition experiences, and pathways to professional entry into the profession.

Brendon holds multiple roles at the state and national levels

Australian Tertiary Outdoor Education Network - Secretary,

Outdoor Educators Association of Queensland - President

Outdoor Education Australia - Queensland representative and Awards Committee

Outdoor Council of Australia - Organisational Member (OEA)

National Centre for Outdoor Risk and Readiness - Board Member

Brendon is a former president of the VOEA and the Victorian state representative on the Outdoor Education Australia committee. He was also involved in the steering group that established Outdoors Victoria and served as the inaugural chair of the Outdoors Victoria Education Committee.

Teaching areas

Outdoor Living and Travel Skills

Learning in Australian Landscapes

Foundations of Outdoor Learning

Leading Groups in Outdoor Environments

Outdoor Environmental Expeditions

Leading Coastal Environmental Studies

Outdoor Environmental Studies Extension

Expert media commentary

Brendon Munge's specialist areas of knowledge include outdoor and environmental education, fieldwork pedagogies, near-peer teaching, technology and outdoor education, and occupational athletes.

Awards and Honours

Higher Education Academy Fellowship
University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia, Sunshine Coast) - UniSC, 06/12/2021
Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning Distinction
La Trobe University (Australia, Melbourne), 01/12/2015
2015 Pro Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Award Distinction
La Trobe University (Australia, Melbourne), 01/06/2015
Award for Teaching Excellence
La Trobe University (Australia, Melbourne), 02/08/2012

Organisational Affiliations

Member, K'gari Research Cluster

Lecturer in Outdoor Environmental Studies, School of Education and Tertiary Access

Education

Outdoor Education (Hons)
20032006, Bachelor of Arts, La Trobe University (Australia, Melbourne)
Higher Education Curriculum, Learning and Teaching
20102011, Graduate Certificate, La Trobe University (Australia, Melbourne)
Outdoor & Environmental Education
20142015, First Level Masters Degree, La Trobe University (Australia, Melbourne)