Outdoor Adventure Education: Foundations, Theory, and Research

Outdoor Adventure Education: Foundations, Theory, and Research steeps students in the theories, concepts, and developments of outdoor adventure education, preparing them for careers in this burgeoning field.

This text is based on author Alan W. Ewert’s pioneering book Outdoor Adventure Pursuits: Foundations, Models, and Theories. Ewert and Sibthorp, both experienced practitioners, researchers, and educators, explore the outdoor adventure field today in relation to the changes that have occurred since Ewert’s first book. The authors present a comprehensive text on outdoor and adventure foundations, theories, and research that will provide the basis for the next generation of professionals.

Outdoor Adventure Education offers a comprehensive view of the expanding discipline of outdoor adventure education in its various settings. In addition to its foundational, theoretical, and conceptual insights, this text presents the following:

• Why This Chapter Is Important introductions that present snapshots of ideas and concepts and how they apply to future professionals

• Chapter discussion and research questions to expand knowledge and research skills to support the learning gained through the book

• Sidebars from well-known international researchers who present their views on the chapter topics

The book is presented in three parts. Part I explores foundational issues of outdoor adventure education, offering an overview of the field and examining both historical developments and current practices. Part II investigates theoretical constructs and extant theories, emphasizing how they inform the professional’s view of program evidence, design, and implementation. In part III, the authors delve into research and evidence-based practices in the field and look at evolving trends and issues as outdoor adventure education continues to grow.

Outdoor Adventure Education uses evidence, design, and implementation as its underlying themes. It shows students and professionals how to apply theories and research in constructing frameworks for outdoor adventure education experiences and how to evaluate those experiences. As such, it is an indispensable resource that prepares students and professionals alike for success in their careers in outdoor adventure education.

Alan Ewert, PhD, is a distinguished and titled professor at Indiana University. He holds the Patricia and Joel Meier Endowed Chair in Outdoor Leadership and served as the editor of the Journal of Experiential Education. He was the 1996 recipient of the Reynold E. Carlson Award for Distinction in Outdoor Environmental Education; the 2002 recipient of the J.B. Nash Scholar Award through the American Association for Leisure and Recreation; the 2005 recipient of the Julian W. Smith Award through the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; and the 2013 Association of Experiential Education’s Distinguished Researcher. A prolific scholar, Ewert has published articles in a variety of journals and books related to outdoor leadership and recreation. He continues his professional service through numerous venues, including his status as a fellow and past president of the Academy of Leisure Sciences and one of the founding editors of the International Journal of Wilderness. Dr. Ewert also serves as a course director and instructor for Outward Bound and the Wilderness Education Association.

Jim Sibthorp, PhD, is associate professor and the coordinator of Adventure and Outdoor Programs in the department of parks, recreation and tourism at the University of Utah. He has written numerous publications in adventure-based programming and outdoor adventure education. Much of his current research stems from partnerships with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the American Camp Association. He has served the profession in many ways, including as co-chair of the NRPA Leisure Research Symposium, an editorial advisor for the Journal of Experiential Education, and an associate editor of Leisure Sciences and Research in Outdoor Education. He served on the research committees for Outward Bound and the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors. He is an active field instructor with NOLS, and he has received numerous awards, including Indiana University’s Eppley Alumni Award and the University of Utah College of Health Distinguished Mentor Award for his work with graduate students.