Calls for further research evaluating corporate adventure training (CAT) programs. Reviews activities and benefits associated with CAT, summarizes studies conducted on the efficacy of CAT programs, describes appropriate research designs for investigating how and why CAT programs work, and addresses barriers to producing meaningful research. (LP)

The internalization of environmental ethics occurs when motivation for acting responsibly in the backcountry is realized. This can be achieved through minimum impact training that explains proper techniques, provides opportunities to practice techniques, puts the responsibility to act appropriately on each individual, and explicitly links minimum…

Illustrates how principle and virtue ethics can be applied to decision-making processes in experience-based training and development programs. Principle ethics is guided by predetermined rules and assumes that issues being examined are somewhat similar in context, whereas virtue ethics assumes that "correct behavior" is determined from…

Explores whether experiential education is considered an academic discipline (based on theory) or a profession (based on practice). Telephone interviews with the Board of Directors for the Association for Experiential Education indicate a need for integrating theory and practice. Experiential education's commitment to shared use of knowledge…

A night-time canoe trip during an outdoor education program in New Zealand became a powerful experience of "sacred place." Geopiety (attachment and reverence for particular places) is evident in the cultures of all people. Outdoor education can foster spiritual growth, thus educating the whole child, by providing opportunities for…

Naturalistic inquiry methods were used to explore the spiritual dimension of wilderness experiences among 26 participants in wilderness adventure programs. Participants identified their spiritual experiences and factors contributing to or inhibiting such experiences. Program recommendations are offered for planning wilderness trips conducive to…

A survey of 158 members of the Association for Experiential Education examined the controversial topics of outdoor leadership certification and adventure program accreditation. Respondents preferred program accreditation over leader certification. The majority believed that accreditation should be strictly voluntary and conducted through an…

Outdoor educators in training engaged in a mask-making activity involving partners. One person made the mask and the other provided his or her face as the mold. The anxiety-provoking experience invited an intimate exchange between partners around issues of intimacy, trust, and compassion. (KS)

Questionnaires assessed anticipation and actual enjoyment of various adventure activites by 60 New Zealand secondary schools students before and after a school-sponsored adventure week. White water rafting was rated most preferred on both occasions. Pre- and posttour comparisons showed a significant increase in enjoyment ranking for horse trekking…

Proposes the use of portfolios containing representative student work gathered over time as a method to improve understanding of students' work, development, and growth. Provides an example of portfolio assessment in a graduate class on mathematics problem solving for teachers. (KS)

McClellan Hall, a Native American, expresses distress and embarrassment at the improper use of Native cultural ceremonies at Association for Experiential Education conferences. G. Owen Couch, a non-Native, describes his personal experiences in using Native American philosophies inappropriately and his realization of the dangers in doing so. Both…

Profiles the accomplishments and philosophies of three individuals who strongly advocated community service and who profoundly influenced the field of experiential education, including Robert K. Greenleaf, author of "Servant Leadership"; Alec Dickson, who traveled extensively to promote the development of community service organizations…

The author reflects on his experience as an Outward Bound instructor at a large high school in New York City, where he collaborated with an English teacher in developing a curriculum that balanced academic with experiential learning. Describes a five-week unit in which a rock climbing experience was integrated with traditional English teaching…

Describes community experiential education programs that empower local citizens to work with city planners in deciding the future direction of their urban neighborhoods. Questions whether such programs are true catalysts for social change when participants return to their home environments without a support system that values or utilizes learned…

Describes the Cooperative Extension Water Watchers Program (Washington) that brings together participants from diverse backgrounds, introduces them to environmental and natural history topics, encourages discussion of "hot" issues, and concludes with participants volunteering in environmental projects. The program is successful because…