The document discusses how experiential learning involves direct experiences and reflection to increase knowledge and develop skills. It reviews research that shows adventure-based experiential learning programs can help improve self-confidence, attitudes, and interpersonal skills for adults. The research implies these programs may reduce negative behaviors for at-risk adults when combined with long-term reinforcement of values learned.

1. A.R McKinnon
Winter 2011

2.  Experiential Learning "as a philosophy and
methodology in which teachers/instructors
purposefully engage with learners in direct experience
and focused reflection in order to increase
knowledge, develop skills and clarify values.”
Experiential Learning is the term for this philosophy.

3.  Putting a person in a unique situation, creating a state
of disequilibrium through which the teaching of social
responsibility and positive decision making can take
place.
(Steffen, 2007)

4.  One may have personal success goals, education success
goals, and career goals, all of which involve success
within a context.
 To experience success, all of the facets or goals must be
fully integrated into the approach. I am calling the
attitude one has and the implementations one attempts
toward accomplishment of these goals orientation.

5.  While this must seem the obvious intent of all
processes toward a goal, it can be questioned as to
whether in fact approaches are only and always success
oriented. There are other factors and orientations that
an individual, group, or organization may encounter
that may not be in sync with the stated goal toward
which an effort is exerted towards achieving success.

6. Another aspect of adult learning is motivation. At least six
factors serve as sources of motivation for adult learning:
 Social relationships: to make new friends, to meet a need
for associations and friendships.
 External expectations: to comply with instructions from
someone else; to fulfill the expectations or
recommendations of someone with formal authority.
 Social welfare: to improve ability to serve mankind,
prepare for service to the community, and improve ability
to participate in community work.

7.  Personal advancement: to achieve higher status in a
job, secure professional advancement, and stay abreast of
competitors.
 Escape/Stimulation: to relieve boredom, provide a break
in the routine of home or work, and provide a contrast to
other exacting details of life.
 Cognitive interest: to learn for the sake of learning, seek
knowledge for its own sake, and to satisfy an inquiring
mind.

8.  Adventure aspects (camping, rock climbing, horse back
riding, ATV exploring, mountain bike adventures, etc..) act
as the “hook” to draw the attention and interest of
participant to the benefits of “Experiential Learning”
 Once “hooked”, social & personal lessons can be learned

9.  Various Psychological Organizations:
 Studied the impact of Physical Adventure Learning
programs on a number of Success Oriented Adults and
found measurable gains in the participants perceived
feeling of personal-control as compared to Success
Oriented peers who did not complete the program

10.  A recently “controlled” study of 58 Adults from across
the American Southwest recorded:
 Self-perception profiles that showed improved self-
perception immediately and for four months following
an extended adventure experience

11.  A number of Qualitative studies of the effects of a short-
term residential Experiential Learning Wilderness program
on Success Oriented Women have been conducted. The
most intriguing finding was:
 As the program progressed, women showed growth in the
areas of trust, leadership, confidence and attitude

12. Behavioral Psychologists used statistical analysis to measure the effects of 28
separate studies concerning over 3000 at-risk males
 Examination of program benefits were divided into two dimensions:
1. Empowerment (confidence, self-esteem & personal control)
2. Interpersonal Skills (communication & cooperation)
 Results: Adventure/Experiential programs show significant reduction of
negative and anti-social behaviors
 Confirmed that programs which provide intense physical challenges with
individual and group training as the most successful program design

13. A number of Universities have:
 Studied the effects of adventure/experiential based learning on the
psychological development of college students. These studies have
confirmed that:
 Students who received adventure/experiential learning opportunities
showed positive psychological gains across several constructs
 These students made significant gains in “Hardiness, Goal
Achievement, Self Esteem and overall Attitude Improvement” as
compared to peers in the control group

14.  Adventure/Experiential Learning programs show measurable
gains in many of the exact behaviors/attitudes/perceptions that
define many Success Oriented Adults as “at-risk”
 Adventure/Experiential Learning programs have shown to be
valuable tools in helping to reduce; Performance Deterioration
and levels of Career Dissatisfaction
 Adventure/Experiential Learning programs have shown to be
valuable tools in helping to increase performance, enhance self
confidence and improve attitudes

15.  Adventure/Experiential Learning programs work for Success
Orientated Adults
 Research implies long-term support/reinforcement of values
learned in adventure programs can show increased
improvements in decreasing negative behaviors
 Research suggests highly trained staff is essential in
adventure/Learning success

16.  Research Adventure/Experiential Learning Opportunities
 Determine what you expect from an
Adventure/Experiential Learning Experience
 Ask yourself; Does this form of learning make sense to me?
 Ask yourself; Am I prepared to make a 5 Day commitment
to “Changing my Life”?
 Review our program at www.