Antidotes to Skill Perishability in Outdoor Education
Outdoor education equips individuals with vital skills, from wilderness survival to navigation, that can be invaluable in various outdoor environments. However, like any skill, these competencies can fade without consistent practice and evaluation. This blog post explores the antidotes to skill perishability in outdoor education, emphasizing the role of scaffolded training, ongoing professional development, recertification, overlapping skills, and the importance of an ongoing feedback process in professional growth.
Scaffolded Training and Ongoing Professional Development
Scaffolded training, which involves building skills step by step, is a potent antidote to skill perishability. By breaking down complex skills into manageable components, learners can gradually master them. Research shows that scaffolded training not only aids skill retention but also enhances the ability to adapt those skills to changing conditions (Jones, 2018).
Ongoing professional development is another key element. Outdoor educators must continually hone their expertise, explore new methods, and stay updated on best practices. By investing in their own growth, educators can model lifelong learning and inspire participants to follow suit.
Recertification: A Lifeline for Skills
Recertification is a lifeline that keeps outdoor education skills sharp. Many outdoor certifications require regular renewal, which involves skill assessments, knowledge tests, and ongoing education. This process ensures that educators remain competent and well-prepared, even as they gain experience.
Incorporating recertification into outdoor education programs is essential, as it reinforces the importance of skill maintenance and encourages participants to view their skills as dynamic rather than static.
Overlapping Skills in Different Environments and Sports
Outdoor professionals often benefit from overlapping skills across various environments and sports. A skill learned in one setting can be applied or adapted to another. For instance, navigation skills acquired during hiking can be invaluable for kayaking or rock climbing. Encouraging participants to explore different outdoor sports can help them see the interconnectedness of skills and enhance their adaptability.
Ongoing Practice and Utilization
The simple adage "practice makes perfect" holds true in outdoor education. Consistent practice reinforces muscle memory, mental acuity, and problem-solving abilities. Encouraging participants to regularly apply their skills in real-world situations, both in planned outdoor trips and in everyday life, is key to skill retention.
The Power of Feedback in Professional Development
An often overlooked but crucial aspect of skill development is the feedback loop. Constructive feedback from peers, mentors, and self-assessment provides valuable insights for improvement. It helps individuals identify areas of strength and weakness and guides targeted skill enhancement efforts (Kluger & DeNisi, 1996).
Incorporating feedback processes into outdoor education programs fosters a culture of continuous improvement and empowers participants to take an active role in their skill development journey.
Conclusion
Outdoor education skills need not perish over time. By emphasizing scaffolded training, ongoing professional development, recertification, recognizing overlapping skills, and establishing a feedback-rich environment, outdoor educators and enthusiasts can ensure that their competencies remain sharp, adaptable, and relevant. In doing so, they embrace a lifelong journey of skill growth and open doors to new adventures and opportunities in the great outdoors.
References:
Jones, R. (2018). Skill fade and scaffolding: implications for higher education and skills development. Journal of Education and Work, 31(3), 197-210.
Kluger, A. N., & DeNisi, A. (1996). The effects of feedback interventions on performance: A historical review, a meta-analysis, and a preliminary feedback intervention theory. Psychological Bulletin, 119(2), 254-284.
