Course
PE 281 Practical Outdoor Skills 1 credit
 

Course Instructor, Office and Contact Information
Justin Daley.  You may reach him at the Outdoor Program Office (282-3912).
 

University Catalog Course Description
"Study and application of knowledge and skills common to most outdoor activities, and ways in which such skills can be integrated in school, youth and adult activity programs. Practical outdoor knots, map and compass, sheltering strategies, outdoor emergencies, safety procedures, minimal impact techniques, and outdoor team building."
 

Targeted Standards

Targeted core standards from the Idaho State University College of Education Conceptual Framework include the following:

Subject Matter Knowledge.  An overriding goal of the course is help students increase their knowledge of outdoor skills.

Professional Standards and Research.  New information and the results of recent research are incorporated into the course. Students are encouraged keep abreast of new information when they become teachers.

Student Individual Differences.  Individual differences are taken in account, and allowances made for those with different motor and cognitive learning rates.

Planning for Instruction.  A number of meaningful learning experiences, particularly those involving hands-on activities, are incorporated into the course.  The activities are carefully chosen so that they can be used in public schools or for youth group programming.

Instructional Delivery.  A mix of instructional strategies are employed in the course.  Included in the mix are lectures, group discussions, and both physical and quiet activity in indoor and outdoor settings.

Assessment.  Assessment consists of written and practical tests.

Management of the Learning Experience.  Safety of the students is an overriding concern, and proper instructor-student ratios are maintained.  Life guards are provided for activities in the pool and trained personnel assist with any climbing activities.

Technology.  Slides, overheads, and Global Positioning Devices are all utilized in the course.

Literacy.  Usually, classic literature is not a subject that one would connect with an outdoor skills class, but literature is filled with excellent material on the outdoor environment. Literary allusions are used when appropriate to support class discussions.

Family, School, and Community Relationships and Resources.  A number of the skills taught in this course may be useful in family outings and volunteer work with community groups.
 

Course Content

This class, designed for Physical Education majors, is a broad overview of outdoor education and outdoor adventure activities.  Students will have an opportunity to participate in several outdoor activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, canoeing, and outdoor navigation.  Additionally, students will learn a few basic outdoor skills including knot tying, fly casting, map and compass, and initiative games.  Throughout the class, discussion will be directed toward ways in which outdoor activities can be incorporated in secondary or primary school programs.
 

Class Schedule

Check the outdoor program website for the most up-to-date schedule:  outdoor class schedule
 

Attendance Policy

Since this course meets on a workshop basis, attendance is critically important.  The bulk of the class takes place on the two weekend days planned in the schedule.  Not attending one of the weekend days is equivalent to missing as much as six to eight weeks of a normal class.  Missing that much of a class in which participatory activity is a key component is unacceptable.
      Thus, you must attend both weekend days to receive credit for this class.  Note that there is no way to make up for a missed weekend day.  If you get sick or have other conflicts, your only option is to drop the class.  The instructor will sign a drop card, and, if desired, you can take the class at a later time.
      Remember, attendance on the weekend is mandatory.  If you miss one or more days you can not receive credit for the class.
 

Text and Readings

No text is required, but material and readings come from the following:

Cain, J., & Jolliff, B. (1998).  Teamwork and teamplay: A guide to cooperative, challenge and adventure activities.  Dubuque, Iowa: Kendal/Hunt Publishing.

Graydon, D. & Hanson, K. (Eds.).  (1997).  Mountaineering: The freedom of the hills (6th ed.).  Seattle: The Mountaineers.

Hart, J. (1998).  Walking softly in the wilderness (3rd ed.).  San Francisco: Sierra Club Books.

Rohnke, K. & Butler, S. (1995).  Quick silver: Adventure games, initiative problems, trust activities and a guide to effective leadership.  Dubuque, Iowa: Kendal/Hunt Publishing.

Johnston, M.  (2000). River safety: A floater's guide.  Helena, Montana: Greycliff Publishing Company.

Ferguson, M. (1997). GPS Land navigation.  Boise: Glassford Publishing.
 

Course Requirements and Assessments

A lesson plan for teaching an outdoor activity must be prepared and completed prior to the end of the course.  Complete information on developing a lesson plan along with a sample plan will be provided.
      Assessments include a skills test which covers outdoor skills learned in the class and a final written test which covers all lecture material.
 

Grading Criteria and Grading Scale

This class involves learning physical skills and participating in a variety of outdoor activities.  Thus, attendance is a key part of grading:

 50% Attendance and Class Participation
 25% Final Exam and Skills Assessment
 25% Outdoor Activity Lesson Plan

Idaho State University standard four-point grading scale is utilized:

A 4.0 Excellent Performance
A- 3.70 Excellent Performance
B+ 3.30 Good Performance
B 3.00 Good Performance
B- 2.70 Good Performance
C+ 2.30 Adequate Performance
C 2.00 Adequate Performance
C- 1.70 Adequate Performance
D+ 1.30 Marginal Performance
D 1.00 Marginal Performance
D- .70 Marginal Performance
F 0.0 Unacceptable Performance
 

Reasonable Accommodation For Students With Disabilities

If you have a diagnosed disability or believe that you might require "reasonable accommodation" on the part of the instructor, please call the Director, Center of Services for Students with Disabilities at 282-3599.  As a part of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the responsibility of the student to disclose a disability prior to requesting reasonable accommodations.