Methods of Teaching Outdoor Activities
  (PE 445 )

Ron Watters, Professor of Outdoor Education

Class Syllabus
Methods of Teaching Outdoor Activities (PE 445)
Idaho State University College of Education
Department of Sport Science & Physical Education
 
Summary
PE 445 Methods of Teaching Outdoor Activities                       Ron Watters
3-4 Credits                                                                               Outdoor Program Office
Spring Semester                                                                       208.282.3912 / wattron@isu.edu
Tuesday, Thursday (4:00-5:15 pm)                                           Office Hours (See Below)
 
Course
PE 445  Methods of Teaching Outdoor Activities - 3-4 credits (Spring Semester)
 
Course Website
Additional information about this course and related materials is found at the following URL address:  http://www.isu.edu/~wattron/Methods.html
 
Course Instructor, Office and Contact Information
Ron Watters is an adjunct faculty member of the Physical Education Department.  He is the former director of the ISU Outdoor Program and the author of seven books on outdoor activities.  He is one of the founders of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education, and is the director of the National Outdoor Book Awards. 
    Note that he is a part time instructor and does not have office hours like full-time faculty.  Feel free to contact him via email (wattron@isu.edu).  You may reach him at the Outdoor Program Office (236-3912), or feel free to call him at home 232-6857. 
 
University Catalog Course Description
"This culminating course for outdoor education minors consists of two parts: a study of the objectives, programs and methods of teaching outdoor recreation activities followed by a practicum experience in which students assist in teaching and leading outdoor activities." 
 
Targeted Standards
Targeted Idaho State University Outdoor Education Standards include: Standard 1 (Content Knowledge); Standard 2 (Teaching and Leadership Strategies); and Standard 5 (Experiential Skills and Field Experience).
 
Course Goals & Objectives
Goal 1: Teaching methodology
            Objective 1A:  To explore the fundamentals of motor learning
            Objective 1B:  To study ways of creating positive, safe and effective learning environments
            Objective 1C:  To review research into teaching effectiveness
Goal 2: Learning strategies
            Objective 2A: To develop learning and programming objectives
            Objective 2B: To practice creating and implementing lesson plans
Goal 3: Practical experience in the field
            Objective 3A: To gain experience in teaching and/or leading outdoor activities
 
Course Content
This course consists of two basic components.  The first is a series of lecture and class discussions about teaching methods and instructional strategies that can be used in outdoor activities.  The second component is a 32 to 48 hour practicum.  
If you are taking the course for 3 credits, a 32-hour practicum is required.  If you are taking the course for 4 credits, a 48-hour practicum is required.  The practicum is a planned field experience which enables you to gain direct experience in teaching and/or leading outdoor activities.  For more details on the practicum and student responsibilities, see the attached "Practicum Procedures."
 
Text and Readings
No text is required, but material and readings come from the following:
Miles, J. & Priest, S. (1999).  Adventure programming.  State College, Pennsylvania: Venture Publishing.
 
Rink, J. (1985). Teaching physical education for learning.  St. Louis: Times Mirror/Mosby.
 
Harrison, J. & Blakemore, C. (1992). Instructional strategies for secondary school physical
education.  Dubuque, Iowa:  Wm. C. Brown Publishers.
 
Other References
Other resources supplementing the class are available in the Outdoor Program library and resource center.  In the library you'll find maps, guidebooks, magazines, videos and catalogs, all of which are available on a free check-out basis.  The Outdoor Program office is open 9 to 5 weekdays. A number of professional papers, some of which cover class lecture material, are available at the Outdoor Program web site:  www.isu.edu/outdoor/
 
Evaluation Criteria and Grading Scale
College of Education approved percentage scale is utilized (next page):
A = 94 - 100
A- = 90 - 93
B+ = 87 - 89
B = 84 - 86
B- = 80 - 83
C+ = 77 - 79
C = 74 - 76
C- = 70 - 73
D+ = 67 - 69
D = 64 - 66
F = Below 63
The final grade for the course is based on the following three components:  Mid-term test, Final Exam and Practicum Project.  The scores from each of these three components are weighted in the following manner:
17% Mid-term test
18% Final Exam
 65% Practicum Project

PLUS  Portfolio (Pass or Fail).  See below:  required only for outdoor education majors.
Here is an example of how final grades are calculated:
Mid term test:  87%
Final Exam:   75%
Practicum Project:  90%
 
Final Grade = (.17 x 87%) + (.18 x 75%) + (.65 x 90%)
Final Grade Percentage = 87%
Final Grade = B+ (Using the chart above)
 
Portfolio Requirement:  Majors in Outdoor Education
If you are an outdoor education major, you are expected to compile a personal portfolio.  Required elements of your portfolio are listed on the attached sheet.  Thus, in addition to the practicum project (described above), you'll also be asked to submit the contents of your portfolio. 
    If you have not completed all of your outdoor education class work at the time you take this class, you will need to present your portfolio for a final check with your advisor.  This must be done no later than two weeks prior to graduation.   Even if you have not taken all of the classes required for the outdoor education major, portfolio materials from the classes you have completed should be submitted. 
     Note:  Portfolios are only required if you are a physical education major with an outdoor education emphasis.  If you are majoring in another subject or if you are an outdoor education minor, you can disregard the portfolio requirement.

Deadlines

The deadline for the Practicum Report and the Outdoor Education Portfolio is Friday of Closed Week.  IMPORTANT:  Closed Week is the week prior to Final Week.  Papers handed in late receive an automatic reduction of one grade for each day late.  Anything handed in after Wednesday of Final Week is given an "F."

Assessment Consent
A part of institutional and state outcomes assessment requirements, and state and national program accreditation requirements, the College of Education collects copies of performance assessments and assessment data for the purposes of individual and program accountability.  By enrolling in this course, you consent to have your assessment information collected and utilized by the College of Education for these purposes and as part of credibility studies supporting the validity, consistency, and fairness of the assessments. To protect your confidentiality, when summary reports are published or discussed in conferences, no information will be included that would reveal your identity.  If photographs, videos, or audiotape recordings of you obtained from your performance assessments are used to demonstrate program accountability, then your identity will be protected or disguised, or we will ask you for permission to disclose your identity in order to give you credit for your performance. We may disclose the assessment information we collect about you under other circumstances as permitted or required by law. Assessment data are maintained and disclosed in accordance with Idaho State University policies to insure compliance with the provisions of the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.  If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Peter Denner at 282-4230 or dennpete@isu.edu.
 
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism and cheating.  For more information refer to the ISU Student Handbook found on the following webpage: www.isu.edu/references/st.handbook/conduct.html#CONDUCT.  For definitions of cheating and plagiarism, see the ISU Faculty and Staff Handbook (Part 6, Sec. IX, page 6.9.1) found on the webpage: www.isu.edu/fs-handbook/part6/6_9/6_9.html
 
Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The Sports Science and Physical Education program is committed to providing a classroom environment in which all students may achieve their potential.  If you have a disability or think you have a disability (physical, learning, hearing, vision, psychiatric) which may need reasonable accommodation, please contact the ADA Disabilities & Resource Center as early as possible.  The Center is located in Room 123 of Graveley Hall on the lower Idaho State University Campus.  Its phone number is 282-3599.
 
Evaluation of Course and Instructor
College of Education course evaluation forms will be distributed at the end of the semester at which time you'll have an opportunity to evaluate the course and the instructor.  .
 

Outdoor Education Majors:  Portfolio Requirements
Idaho State University Sports Science and Physical Education Department
Academic Year 2005-6

Note:  the following is only required if you are a physical education major with an outdoor education emphasis through the Sports Science and Physical Education Department.  If you are majoring in another subject, you can disregard the information below.

If you are an outdoor education major, you are expected to compile a personal portfolio.  You'll want to begin saving information for your portfolio as soon as you undertake your course of study.  For example, as part of the requirements of PE 220 (Foundations of Physical Education and Sport), you will develop a professional resume.  A resume is one of the required components on list below and you'll want tuck it away for your portfolio. 

Portfolio material may be placed in a three ring binder or in a portfolio case.  You'll be asked to submit your portfolio as a requirement for PE 445 (Methods of Teaching Outdoor Activities and Practicum).  Note:  if you have not completed all of your outdoor education class work at the time you take PE 445, you will need to present your portfolio for a final check with your advisor.  This must be done NO LATER than two weeks prior to graduation.

The following is a list of portfolio requirements.  You may also add appropriate professional information that you think is relevant to your career search.

Required Components
  1. Professional Resume.  (Foundations of Physical Education and Sport - PE 220).
  2. Transcript.  (Make a copy of your ISU Transcript)
  3. An Outline of Your Program of Study.  (List of classes you have completed toward your major degree.  This information, of course, is included on your transcript, but in this document, you should list only the classes you have taken for your major.)
  4. Evidence of Completed Current First Aid Requirements.  (If Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder does not appear on your transcript, then you will need a photocopy of a current wilderness first aid certificate.)
  5. Leadership Project Report.  (Outdoor Leadership - PE 386)
  6. Community Conservation Project Report (Outdoor Leadership - PE 386)
  7. Outdoor Journal.  (Outdoor Leadership - PE 386)
  8. Examples of Lesson Plans Created.  (Outdoor Methods - PE 445)
  9. Outdoor Practicum Report.  (Outdoor Methods - PE 445)
  10. Risk Management Plan.  (Risk Management & Liability - PE 384)
Other Components to Consider (Not Required)
  • Evidence of professional presentations, i.e., copies of PowerPoint slides, presentation outlines, hand-outs, and other materials (Outdoor Leadership - PE 386; Risk Management  - PE 384; Methods - PE 445)
  • Material and dates from professional conferences you have attended.
  • Reading lists from Outdoor Literature - PE 440.
  • Names of professional organizations (physical education or outdoor education) that you may belong to and material from these organizations (Foundations - PE 220). 
  • Professional literature you have published or research projects completed.

Practicum Procedures
Methods of Teaching Outdoor Activities (PE 445)

Purpose of Practicum
 
The practicum portion of this course is a planned field experience which enables you to gain direct experience in teaching and/or leading outdoor activities. 

 
Making Arrangements with an On-site Supervisor
 
In a practicum, you work under the direction of an on-site supervisor. Examples of on-site supervisors include outdoor education instructors (such as instructors of kayaking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing classes), scout or youth group leaders, public school teachers, camp counselors, city recreation program supervisors, etc. 
 
You'll want to pick a practicum experience in which you have sufficient skills and knowledge to be an asset to the on-site supervisor.  You should not pick practicums which are out of your experience range.  For instance, attempting to help teach a rock climbing class when you are only a beginner rock climber is a poor choice for a practicum.
 
It's important before approaching an on-site supervisor that you discuss your practicum ideas with the instructor of this course.  Some practicum experiences may not be appropriate, and by consulting with the course instructor in advance you can avoid unnecessary work. 
 
Once the instructor has approved your idea, you'll want to set up an appointment with the on-site supervisor to see if they are willing to take you in as a practicum student.  Keep in mind that practicum students can and do create extra work on the part of on-site supervisors, and some supervisors may not be able to accept students. Be prepared with alternative ideas.  Always use tact and courtesy when approaching potential supervisors. 

 
Student Responsibilities
 
Your responsibilities are the following:
 
·        Discuss your ideas about possible practicum experiences with the instructor of the course prior to making any specific contact at the placement site.
 
·        Meet with the on-site supervisor, discuss the practicum, and obtain their approval. 
 
·        Fill out the Practicum Placement and Duties form and list duties assigned by the on-site supervisor.  Obtain signatures from the supervisor and course instructor.
 
·        Perform duties as agreed to and as assigned by the on-site supervisor.
 
·        Keep a journal of the duties performed.  Include the following:
1.  A record what you have done:  planning and preparation work, description of activities assisted with, list of skills taught, and any follow-up work required by the on-site supervisor.
2.  Observations on anything that you've learned:  helpful teaching techniques, new ways of working with groups, and any new personal skills and knowledge you learned.
3.  Accurate log of the time spent during the practicum.  In the log include the date that you worked and starting and ending times.  The total number of hours required in an outdoor education practicum experience is 32 hours if you are taking the course for 3 credits; 48 hours is you are taking the course for 4 credits.
4.  Lesson Plan.  Develop at least one lesson plan of an activity of which your on-site supervisor has placed you in charge.  Follow the format found in the Lesson Plan hand-out provided by the instructor.
5.  Supplementary Materials.  Include in your journal any supplementary practicum materials:  (a) class syllabus (only required if you are assisting in the teaching of an activity class like kayaking or rock climbing). (b) hand-outs to students or participants (these might be equipment and clothing lists, class information sheets, letters to parents for youth groups, etc.); (c) sign-up or liability release sheets (include any sign-up sheet which lists the participants involved in the activity or include a list of the students in the class.  Important note: all class lists must have all student numbers removed.); and (d) include any other materials that you might have developed during the practicum.
 
·        Attend the regularly scheduled meeting times of this course.  During these meetings, be prepared to report on the progress of your practicum work.
 
·        Notify the course instructor immediately should there be any extraordinary event or problem that occurs during the practicum.
 
·        Solicit feedback from the on-site supervisor periodically concerning your work.
 
·        Prepare a summary of your experience.  Near the end of the semester, one special class period will be planned in which you'll be expected to present a summary of your experience.
 
·        Complete and submit practicum documentation.  At the end of the semester, the following should be completed and turned in to the instructor:
1.  Final finished copy of the journal and supplementary materials.
2.  Lesson Plan of an activity or skill learning session planned during the practicum.
3.  Practicum Verification Form with the on-site supervisor's signature.
 

Deadline

The deadline for the Practicum Report is Friday of Closed Week.  IMPORTANT:  Closed Week is the week prior to Final Week.  Papers handed in late receive an automatic reduction of one grade for each day late.  Anything handed in after Wednesday of Final Week is given an "F."
 

Practicum Forms
               
Two forms are needed for your practicum: 1) Practicum Placement and Duties form; and 2) Practicum Verification form.  Both are available on-line at:  http://www.isu.edu/~wattron/Methods.html.
Helpful Links:
Information on Outdoor Education Degree Programs at Idaho State University

Idaho State University Outdoor Program Home Page

Idaho State University Department of Physical Education and Sports Science Home Page