BRL104 Nordic Nature Guiding

Contents and structure

This course is intended for students with previous outdoor experience such as introductory level courses in outdoor activities and natural environments.

In this course students learn about the role of a nature guide, nature and culture interpretation, and the Nordic outdoor leadership style 'friluftslivsveiledning'. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical experiences, students gain insight into the planning and facilitation of comprehensive and safe outdoor experiences. Throughout the course students will take on an increasing amount of responsibility for the planning and leadership of safe, educational, enjoyable outdoor trips.

The course has four theoretical and practical modules, which focus on: interpretation, outdoor leadership, commercial nature guiding, and safety and risk management.

Excursions and skill courses:

• Interpretation excursion - mountain and fjord (3 days)
• Outdoor leadership excursion - forest (3-5 days)
• Self-planned excursion (3 days)
• Sea kayak skill course (2 days)
• Indoor climbing skill course (2 days)

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student:

• has insight into various theoretical perspectives related to guiding, interpretation, leadership and group management in the outdoors.
• has knowledge of risk management and safety protocols in nature-based activities

Skills

The student:

• is able to demonstrate basic skills in outdoor activities in various natural environments.
• has experience using various interpretation techniques in a nature guiding context.
• has experience obtaining local knowledge about nature and culture and applying this in a nature guide role.
• has practical experience with group development how it affects learning and experience management.
• has practical experience related to planning and carrying out group outdoor trips.

General competence

The student:

• has knowledge of and experience with Norwegian friluftsliv traditions and the principle of suiting a trip according a group's abilities.
• has knowledge of how a nature guide can convey the importance of sustainable use of the natural environment through attitudes and behaviours.
• demonstrates critical reflection about the role of nature guide and interpreter, and the ability to adjust their own practices based on feedback.
• demonstrates reflection on the connections between mastery, interaction, learning and experiences.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Introduction to Outdoor Education, Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Leadership or similar courses.

And/or extensive personal experience with outdoor activities.

Be prepared for overnight excursions in tents and be able to carry a backpack with own equipment on excursions.

Teaching methods

Excursions that vary in length from 1-4 days, lectures, group work, and individual work. The course content is integrated into the practical teaching so that learning will be as experiential as possible. Student presentations, peer evaluations, and self-evaluations. Reflective writing about the excursions.

Compulsory learning activities

• Active participation in excursions (including planning, carrying out, and evaulation)
• Attendance is required for all practical sessions
• Reflective writing assignment after the leadership excursions
• Oral presentation in front of a group
• Individual written assignment

The student must pass each of the above requirements before taking the exam.

Assessment

Individual written home exam, 3 days. Graded with letter grades (A - F).

Examination support material

All support materials.

More about examination support material