Maura Learning in Outdoor Education

Introduction Like participants involved in Dr. T.A. Loeffler’s study, I have always taken photographs during outdoor adventures to capture moments and new experiences. However, it was not until reading this literature and reflecting on the important role photography played in my experience at the Royal National Park that I realized the full potential of photographs to facilitate experiential learning. This entry will use three key photographs to reflect on things I learned about the outdoors, myself, and others during my visit to the park. Photograph One: Discoveries About the Outdoors Area where we spotted wild whales and dolphins As discussed in my first blog post, I was raised in Colorado and Pennsylvania. Because these are doubly and singly landlocked states, the coastal location of Sydney is very unfamiliar and exciting for me. Living close to the sea during my time here has allowed me to develop a deeper connection to it and to learn about wildlife that ...

Many of my earliest memories involve the outdoors. I was raised in Colorado, where I spent a considerable amount of time engaging with the natural environment. The experiential learning that occurred during this time provided me with increased knowledge about nature and about myself. I eventually moved to Pennsylvania, where the need to adjust to a new school and friends was coupled with the need to adjust to a different physical environment. Thus, I stored my skis and slowly became familiar with the vibrant greenery that characterized my new home. It was during this process that I realized the full extent of my passions for exploring and learning about my natural surroundings. It is because of these passions that I have chosen to take Outdoor Education during my semester in Sydney. I feel that this unit’s focus on experiential learning and incorporation of multiple learning methods will promote the most effective learning as well as the most positive overall experience. I look forward...