This article describes two studies examining the effects of an experiential and adventure-based program (Outward Bound) on returning military veterans. The assumption underlying these studies is the belief that adventure-based programs can serve as a beneficial mediator in the reintegration of returning military veterans into society. The two…

There is an increasing interest in the field of experiential education to move beyond simply documenting the value of experiential education programs and, instead, develop more evidence-based models for experiential education practice (cf., Gass, 2005; Henderson, 2004). Due in part to the diversity of experiential education programs, participants,…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of participation in a three-week adventure-based expedition on levels and types of resiliency. Defined as an individual constellation of characteristics and capacities that mitigate the impact of biological, psychological and social factors that threaten an individual's health (Kaplan, 1999;…

This study explored the concept of outdoor leadership from the perspectives of emotional intelligence and transformational leadership. Levels of emotional intelligence, multifactor leadership, outdoor experience, and social desirability were examined using 46 individuals designated as outdoor leaders. The results revealed a number of unique…

Multivariate analytic techniques offer useful research methods that permit the experiential educator to test theoretical models, analyze the effects of several variables acting together, and predict the effects of one set of variables upon another set of variables. Several of these techniques are discussed, including analysis of variance, multiple…

Explores reasons for the general lack of acceptance of experiential approaches to education. Compares experiential and mainstream education with regard to foundations, goals, ideas about knowledge and learning, organization of students, classroom communication, teaching methods, resources, setting, and evaluation strategies. Suggests that…

Discusses the forces driving increasing environmental problems, why these problems defy easy solution, and the role of experiential education in natural resource management issues. Discusses adaptations of experiential programming to lessen impacts on natural environments and to promote proenvironmental behaviors through awareness building,…

Reviews the history of risk management and currently popular risk management tools, e.g., item-decision model and frequency/severity matrix. Discusses the safety record of outdoor adventure programs including data on injury rates and frequent accident types. Argues for flexible and realistic safety procedures and serious study of the phenomenon of…

Discusses risk-management planning from the perspectives of the current state of risk-management, assumption of risk defense, participant and public attitudes, and specific techniques for constructing a risk-management plan. Offers practical suggestions for limiting risk and liability. Provides sample assumption of risk/liability release form.…

Discusses "state of the art" of research in experiential education, gap between researchers and practitioners, and current practices and problems. Suggests refocusing attention in interpretive phase of research and evaluation and use of multimethod, multivariate approach. (NEC)

Outlines components of fear in outdoor adventure activities. Reports ratings by 311 Outward Bound students of 23 common fears in the outdoors. Discusses techniques of fear reduction therapy: systematic desensitization, flooding, modeling of coping methods by instructors, and rehearsal of adaptive behaviors. Contains 16 references. (SV)

Maintaining that year-round programing can increase program efficiency and environmental utilization, this article notes advantages and disadvantages of winter programing; suggests 30 pointers for instructors to help manage the disadvantages of teaching in a cold climate; and presents a cold weather program strategy. (SB)