CEU Course Objectives

The Outdoor Classroom - Define and Design

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Discover how to identify spaces which lend themselves to teaching, how and why.  

By the end of this course, instructors will be able to recognize and modify natural outdoor classroom areas to facilitate safe and effective learning.  

Learn how to recognize natural features which contribute to an outdoor learning area, evaluate an area for its appropriateness as an outdoor classroom.

Recognize and mitigate potential pitfalls of an outdoor learning area.

Align teaching methods with the features of an outdoor classroom.

Employ teaching methods unique to outdoor learning.

Plan for and manage emergencies and unexpected situations.

Identify and/or create an environment that facilitates learning.

Maximize features of an area to enhance its usefulness as an outdoor classroom.

Build safety into outdoor classroom planning.

Use natural features to enhance learning.

Create a safe environment in which to learn.

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REQUIREMENTS:
Complete the 30 Contact Hours required to complete the course.
Reliable internet service that will enable downloads and video/audio play.
Students must be able to log and record all activities.
Purchase text and workbooks or worksheets for this course.
Students must successfully complete all evaluations including the pre-test, quizzes and final exam.
Students are required to complete the course evaluation form after completion of the course.

3 CPE Credits

The Outdoor Classroom - Group Management

 

This course will prepare instructors to confidently and proficiently plan for and manage a group for outdoor learning activities and mitigate outdoor distractions, disruptions and hazards through conscientious planning.
Identify and utilize natural spaces, resources, events, situations and tools which may be advantageous to group management.
Identify and mitigate natural spaces, resources, events, situations and tools which may be detrimental to group management.
Plan for accessibility and functionality with consideration for challenges unique to outdoor planning.  (rising water, wind, downed trees, etc. - the site/access changes) 
Evaluate an area for its appropriateness to the specific lesson planned.
Evaluate an area for its educational and aesthetic value.
Plan sequence and flow for the planned lessons based on natural features of a site.
Plan timing and method of delivery for the planned lessons based on the site's audible and visual features and phenomena.
Take into consideration and plan for unique features of a site which present unique teaching opportunities.
Skillfully and confidently plan for and manage emergencies and unexpected situations.

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REQUIREMENTS:
Complete the 30 Contact Hours required to complete the course.
Reliable internet service that will enable downloads and video/audio play.
Students must be able to log and record all activities.
Purchase text and workbooks or worksheets for this course.
Students must successfully complete all evaluations including the pre-test, quizzes and final exam.
Students are required to complete the course evaluation form after completion of the course.

3 CPE Credits

The Outdoor Classroom - Strategies and Tactics

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By the end of this course, successful candidates will be able to confidently and proficiently design creative and meaningful lesson plans suited for outdoor learning.

Students will be able to plan for and capitalize on unique as well as unexpected natural features as well as mitigate and possibly exploit outdoor distractions and disruptions to benefit learning. 
Identify natural spaces, resources, events, situations and tools which will enhance the lesson’s key messages.
Plan for challenges unique to outdoor planning such as weather and changing environmental conditions.  (rising water, wind, downed trees, etc.)
Plan appropriate quantity and quality of chaperones and volunteers.
Build flexibility into the timing, flow, content and goals of the lesson.
Allow sufficient time to achieve the key lessons and objectives planned.
Plan timing and method of delivery for the planned lessons based on the site's built-in features that cannot be controlled.
Take into consideration and plan for unique challenges built into the audience, such as physical, mental and emotional limitations.
Skillfully and confidently plan for the physical and sensory characteristics of the site.
Accurately gauge when and why a trip should be canceled and be prepared to do so.

REQUIREMENTS:
Complete the 30 Contact Hours required to complete the course.
Reliable internet service that will enable downloads and video/audio play.
Students must be able to log and record all activities.
Purchase text and workbooks or worksheets for this course.
Students must successfully complete all evaluations including the pre-test, quizzes and final exam.
Students are required to complete the course evaluation form after completion of the course.

3 CPE Credits

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The Outdoor Classroom - Maximizing Instruction

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By the end of this course, successful candidates will be able to confidently and proficiently execute creative and meaningful lesson plans suited for outdoor learning. Student will be able to plan for and capitalize on unique as well as unexpected natural features as well as mitigate and possibly exploit outdoor distractions and disruptions to benefit learning. 
Maximize use of the natural resources unique to the experience rather than relying on merely presenting familiar materials outdoors.
Determine whether taking tools, equipment, material and other items will enhance or detract from best utilizing the outdoor learning experience and resources.
Plan, anticipate and execute best and highest use of tools and other materials taken on site for outdoor learning.
Avoid damage to and distraction by those tools and materials taken outdoors.
Understand, plan for and execute the best use of technology in the outdoor learning experience and know when technology will detract from the experience.
Adapt teaching strategies, tactics and tools to outdoor teaching.
Know when and how to build flexibility into a lesson plan and make necessary adjustments.
Adapt evaluation methodology to better suit the outdoor learning experience
Use strategies and tactics to encourage students to apply outdoor learning material.

REQUIREMENTS:
Complete the 30 Contact Hours required to complete the course.
Reliable internet service that will enable downloads and video/audio play.
Students must be able to log and record all activities.
Purchase text and workbooks or worksheets for this course.
Students must successfully complete all evaluations including the pre-test, quizzes and final exam.
Students are required to complete the course evaluation form after completion of the course.

3 CPE Credits

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The Outdoor Classroom - Emergency Preparedness

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By the end of this course, successful candidates will be able to plan and implement solid emergency contingency plans for a variety of situations in an outdoor education setting. Students will have a better understanding of potential hazards, how to prepare and respond to them and gain insight invaluable to making important judgment calls critical to the safety and wellbeing of their group members.
Develop solid emergency plans based on the site’s existing resources and potential hazards.
Select, assign and prepare competent aides who can be relied upon in an emergency.
Train, enable and equip all aides in communications devices, protocol and procedures.
Know how to use personal beacons as well as when and if to deploy the alarm.
Set expectations and arrange groups and aides in a manner that minimizes risk.
Understand the evacuation process and how to recognize an evac situation.
Be able to make the call regarding whether to evac or not and whether the situation calls for a rapid or emergency evac as well as a partial or full evac.
Be able to competently and confidently carry out an emergency plan knowing that all contingencies were taken into consideration and will be carried out as planned.
Have a plan in place that not only addresses the emergent situation, but also allows for post-emergency communications, re-orienting and re-grouping for the physical, mental and emotional well-being of all group members.

REQUIREMENTS:
Complete the 15 Contact Hours required to complete the course.
Reliable internet service that will enable downloads and video/audio play.
Students must be able to log and record all activities.
Purchase text and workbooks or worksheets for this course.
Students must successfully complete all evaluations including the pre-test, quizzes and final exam.
Students are required to complete the course evaluation form after completion of the course.

1.5 CPE Credits

Trip Planning and Preparation - Level I

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By the end of this course, successful candidates will be able to plan and implement solid outdoor trip plans for a variety of situations in a natural front country setting.
Students will demonstrate a proficiency in use of planning tools and strategies that take into account natural forces and phenomena such as weather, terrain, vegetation and  wildlife.

Students will demonstrate the ability to determine needs and usage for necessary gear, inappropriate clothing, navigational tools, food, water, safety and emergency equipment.

Students will understand the importance of and be able to demonstrate basic situational awareness and foundational lost-proofing skills.

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REQUIREMENTS:
Complete the 30 Contact Hours required to complete the course.
Reliable internet service that will enable downloads and video/audio play.
Students must be able to log and record all activities.
Purchase text and workbooks or worksheets for this course.
Students must successfully complete all evaluations including the pre-test, quizzes and final exam.
Students are required to complete the course evaluation form after completion of the course.

3 CPE Credits

Trip Planning and Preparation - Level II

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Building upon TPP L1, this course is essential for anyone planning to step foot in the backcountry or lead others on an outing in the natural environment.

Successful candidates will demonstrate proficiency in choosing a route, planning emergency contingencies, selecting support staff, selecting gear and supplies and planning for group management and safety.

Students will be able to understand and employ the basic essentials of planning and preparation used by wilderness guides.

Students will understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected when miles away from the safety and support of the developed world;

How to plan for the comfort and sense of security for their group participants;

And how to exude confidence and capability that facilitates an environment in which group participants can relax, enjoy and grow from an outdoor experience.

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Drawing on over 25 years of wilderness experience, OWLS founder Dawn Bello shares the good, the bad and the ugly of the many things for which one needs to prepare - and what can happen when you don't.

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REQUIREMENTS:
Complete the 30 Contact Hours required to complete the course.
Reliable internet service that will enable downloads and video/audio play.
Students must be able to log and record all activities.
Purchase text and workbooks or worksheets for this course.
Students must successfully complete all evaluations including the pre-test, quizzes and final exam.
Students are required to complete the course evaluation form after completion of the course.

3 CPE Credits