Learning to be a group facilitator in outdoor education: using self-awareness to overcome fears and be fully present |
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| Authors: | Glyn J Thomas |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australiagthomas2@usc.edu.au |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTFacilitating groups in outdoor education can sometimes be very challenging, and self-doubt and the fear of facilitating inadequately add to difficulties that facilitators must sometimes manage. In this paper, I will explore some of the ways by which facilitators contribute to the difficulties they experience and, furthermore, to explore some solutions. Negative self-talk can sabotage our best intentions as facilitators, by reducing the levels of free attention that are needed to facilitate well. I draw on the findings of a naturalistic inquiry conducted with 7 facilitator educators and 104 graduates of facilitator education programmes. Data collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation and qualitative surveys were analysed using the constant comparison method. . Based on my research findings, I contend that outdoor education programmes do not need perfect facilitators. Rather, facilitators who can be authentic, self-aware and fully present for their groups will improve outdoor education programs. |
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| Keywords: | Facilitation facilitator education outdoor education |
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