Redefinition of outdoor education based on experiential concepts
2023 Volume 26 Pages 45-54
Details
2023 Volume 26 Pages 45-54
The purpose of this study is to redefine outdoor education by using the findings of Hijikata et al. (2022) on the concept of experience in outdoor education.
We have reviewed the previous definitions of outdoor education and pointed out that they are positioned as tools and means to achieve the goals. In order to redefine outdoor education by focusing on its intrinsic value, we examined the nature of involvement, or experience, which has rarely been questioned in the past. The research were conducted through philological methods, expert discussions, and questionnaires.
As a result, a redefinition which consists of the following main text and the appendices was proposed.
[main text]
A social, cultural, and/or historical activity that generates some learnings through the direct experiences and has the nature as its source.
[appendices]
Outdoors: It is related not only to the natural environment but also to the Fudo(climate) and it also includes actions going outside of modern values.
Direct experience: It is based on one’s involvement through its body in the environment or the situation.
Social, cultural, and/or historical activities: It shows the various forms of education and learning in the long Human history.
Nature: The diverse nature that is the source of life is accidental and uncertain, and it is also the prerequisite for sustainability and well-being.
