Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of:

• The role of outdoor activities in various types of schools, organisations and institutions
• The educational opportunities and limitations of outdoor activities
• Safety and consequence analysis
• Various aspects of planning trips by ability and norms
• Outdoor life traditions, characteristics and values, and the development of “modern” outdoor life
• Various types of outdoor activities
• The role of outdoor activities in Norwegian society
• Equipment for outdoor activities
• Outdoor life policies, legislation and the public administration of outdoor activities at different levels.
• Key problem areas in the management of outdoor recreation.

Skills

The candidate can:

• Plan, implement and evaluate various outdoor programs for different target groups
• Make the necessary safety assessments in various situations in various forms of outdoor recreation
• Assess equipment for outdoor activities in terms of quality, constraints and opportunities
• Implement security procedures in various environments, and perform lifesaving in water and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  

General competence

The candidate has:

• Competence in basic skills in outdoor activities
• Expertise in guiding outdoor activities
  

Course Description

2 ECTS, 1st year of study / one-year study program

The first year of the study program provides a basic introduction that forms the basis for further work in the second year of study. The course emphasizes basic skills related to outdoor activities in different environments and seasons. The first year of study is mainly aimed at teaching in lower secondary schools.

13 ECTS, 2nd year of study

The work in this target area builds on the content of the first year (2 ECTS).

The target area focuses on 4 topics:

• Outdoor life theory
• Outdoor life pedagogy
• Outdoor life management
• Lifesaving

In addition, various nature and cultural topics will be discussed during field courses.

Teaching and Learning Methods

2 ECTS, 1st year of study / one-year study program

Wherever possible, experience and learning will take place through practical outdoor exercises by means of two field trips in addition to one or more days in the local area:

• Autumn trip. Three days hiking in the woods and mountains. Camping in tents.
• Spring trip. Two days by canoe on flat water. Camping in tents / lavvo / lean-to.

The work will be based on the use of guidance as a tool for the students' experiences and learning. The role of guide as a pedagogical teaching and learning method is used in outdoor life activities, and the students will gain awareness of what this role entails. This requires commitment, initiative and the maturing of each student.

13 ECTS, 2nd year of study

Work on this study unit will have both a practical and theoretical approach. Various teaching and learning methods will be used such as, lectures and seminars; group work and group exercises; problem-based learning and discovery learning; guidance; individual work and field courses.
The field courses:

• A 4-day autumn trip walking and cycling, with an emphasis on outdoor life theory, outdoor life management, and theory of nature and culture. Camping in tents.
• A 4-day winter trip in the mountains with an emphasis on outdoor life theory and nature studies. Camping in snow.
• A 3-day river-canoeing trip. Outdoor life theory will be emphasised. Camping in an open campsite.
• A 4-day group trip without supervision with an emphasis on trip planning, cultural history and outdoor life management.

Assessment Methods

2 ECTS, 1st year of study / one-year study program

The first year of study includes the following course requirements:

• All the teaching during the first year of study is obligatory. This includes both pre-work and follow-up work in connection with the trips and other parts of the teaching.
• Before the student may take the final examination in the 2nd year, all the obligatory work must be completed and passed.

Each course unit must have received a passing mark before students can be given a passing mark for the major course unit.

Please refer to Telemark University College’s Examination Regulations

13 ECTS, 2nd year of study

Both continuous assessment and a final examination will be used to assess this target area. A single grade will be given for the course; the continuous assessment counts for 40% and the final examination counts for 60% of the final grade. All the field courses are obligatory. This includes pre-work and follow-up work (plans, reports and journals) for each course. Some of the lectures and seminars may be obligatory. Before students may take the examination, all the field courses (and lifesaving) and group assignments must have received passing marks. This includes obligatory work from the 1st year of study.

The assessment will be made on the basis of the following elements:

Continuous assessment (40% of the final grade):

• Plan for trip (without supervision). Group mark, 1/3 of continuous assessment mark.
• Journal for winter trip. Individual mark, 1/3 of continuous assessment mark.
• Completion of canoe river trip. Individual mark, 1/3 of continuous assessment.
  Each assignment has its own assessment criteria.

Final examination (60% of the final grade)

• 4-hour individual written examination.

All the other course units will be assessed on a pass / fail basis, and each course unit must receive a passing mark in order to achieve a passing mark for the major course unit.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean