Have an OE story to share? Send your stories to [email protected] Selected stories will be featured in the next newsletter A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. - Oliver Wendell Need help with lesson plans? Fear not. For P1-4, S1&2, log onto OPAL ->Subjects->PE->Resources ->PE curriculum->Syllabus->OE Get Out There! Outdoor Adventure Learning More elements that present authentic problem-solving situations for students in smaller groups Centre (OALC) enhancements (Left) Two participants attempting the crate stack at Labrador OALC Not forgetting our edible gardens and its green goodness! Beyond activity-focused practice in Outdoor Education At present, many of the outdoor adventure programmes observed at our Outdoor Adventure Learning Centres (OALCs) tend towards what has been coined by Ritzer (2008) as the ‘McDonaldisation phenomenon’. This phenomenon describes the trend whereby “much of one’s life experience is increasingly provided as a standard, dependable and safe product just like the McDonald’s hamburger. It guarantees an adrenaline rush as a predictable outcome, thus losing the essence of adventure being of uncertainty in outcomes” (Loynes, 1998, p. 52). The f o u r d i m e n s i o n s o f e f f i c i e n c y, calculability (quantitative aspects of product – portion, size, cost), predictability and control as characteristics in the production of a typical McDonald hamburger (Ritzer, 2008) parallel the nature of many outdoor education practices in our OALCs. It is common to see large numbers of students being put through a sequential multiactivity challenge programme such as challenge course, abseiling, zipline, climbing walls, etc in a relatively short span of one to two days with efficiency and control by the teachers/instructors leading to predictable outcomes. This results in the programmes being activitycentred rather than learner-centred. In addition, the adoption of the North America’s practice of “adventure programming” as commonly seen locally has resulted in many of our natural environments and green spaces serving as merely a backdrop for the conduct of Speed Dating The downside of such practice as pointed out by Wattchow and Brown (2011) is that they may actually be denying the experience of place for participants. This may result in the potential loss of a more holistic educational experience as the local communities, their histories and the local ecologies are ignored. Recommendations To a v o i d t h e M c D o n a l d i s a t i o n phenomenon, schools can opt to be selective of the amount, type and duration of the activities per camp. More time should be catered for each activity to allow the students to immerse themselves Haven’t been to fully in the experience and to reflect upon our courses? it. Schools can also consider exploring the environment around the OALCs e.g, journeys and expeditions to the green spaces around. Click here: Here’s what our participants say! http://subjects.opal.moe.edu.sg/physicaledu/resources/outdoor-education to link to sample camping programmes that can aid you in your planning! __________________________________ References Loynes, C. (1998). Adventure in a bun. The Journal of Experiential Education, 21(1), 35-39. Percy-Smith, B., & Malone,K. (2001). Making children's participation in neighbourhood settings relevant to the everyday lives of young people. PLA Notes, 42 (Oct), 18-22. Ritzer, G. (2008). The McDonaldization of society 5. LA, USA.: Pine Forge Press. Wattchow, B., & Brown, M. (2011). A pedagogy of place : outdoor education for a changing world. Clayton, Vic.: Monash University Publishing. “Short engaging activities applicable to school settings” “Better understanding on how to conduct OE” “Very hands-on. Micro teaching portion really helps to put ideas into actions” Check out our courses for 2015 Dates: 12 May, 8 Jul, 3 Aug Teaching OE in PE (Pri) Traisi 91363 Dates: 13 May, 7 July, 4 Aug Teaching OE in PE (Sec) Traisi 91365 Date: 11 - 15 May Instructor’s Course for MOE Outdoor Adventure Facilities Traisi 91642 outdoor adventure activities. Date: 22 - 24 July GOT A QUESTION FOR OUR CENTRE MANAGERS? More info www.moeadventurecentres.sg Changi Coast OALC [email protected] Dairy Farm OALC [email protected] Jalan Bahtera OALC [email protected] Labrador OALC [email protected] Overseas Adventure Trip Planning course Traisi 90383
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