Reflective Portfolio: Planning and Preparation for Outdoor Learning

This report is a reflective portfolio that explores the planning and preparation for outdoor learning, focusing on the application of the Gibbs reflective model. It delves into the benefits of outdoor learning, including the development of key skills like communication, leadership, and risk management, while highlighting the importance of experiential learning and connection with nature. The report examines the roles and responsibilities of outdoor education practitioners, emphasizing the need for safety, risk assessment, and continuous professional development. It reflects on personal experiences and feelings related to outdoor activities, evaluating their impact on personal and professional growth, and analyzing the potential of outdoor learning to enhance mental, social, and physical health. The analysis section discusses the development of transferable skills, career opportunities, and the importance of relevant training programs within the outdoor learning sector. Finally, the report emphasizes the value of outdoor learning in fostering personal growth and creating a foundation for professional life.

Planning and preparation for
outdoor learning - reflective
portfolio

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Outdoor learning is an organized learning platform which mainly takes place within the
outdoor activities. It engages students and young adults to effectively participate in the range of
adventurous outdoor challenges like canoeing, bush craft, landscape history, caving, sailing,
mountain biking, climbing, archery, orienteering, hiking, coasteering, ropes courses, rock
pooling, landscape history, etc. this study will highlight on the identification of the expectations
and the requirements who has been working within the outdoor education establishment. This
study also evaluates on the development of the key skills which are required within the outdoor
learning. Moreover, this study also reflects on the development of the practitioners and does it
influence the learning with the help of using Gibbs reflective model.
MAIN BODY
Description: As per the Gibbs reflective model, I have an understanding that, the outdoor
learning mainly comprises of the experimentation, discovering and also connecting with the
natural world in order to effectively engage in with adventure and environmental activities
(Asmara, Anwar and Muhammad, ., 2016). I believe on the fact that, outdoor learning mainly
comprises of the transformation of the skills, knowledge, behaviour and attitude by directly
engaging with the outdoor environment. Outdoor learning leads to the social and personal benefit
of the family, individual, planet and the society. As per the Gibbs reflective model, I have
established and evaluated that, it is useful for the people in reflecting and also learn about their
own self and is useful in significantly connecting with the environment. Outdoor learning is
significant because it leads to better academic achievement associated which eventually leads to
high degree of social and personal development, well being and mental health and employability
(Gibbs Reflective Cycle by Graham Gibbs, 2018). Outdoor learning plays crucial role at the
societal level. It is highly significant in engaging with the specific community and leads to range
of opportunities which in turn are highly available to learn, live and work within the local area.
Outdoor learning is useful in the development of the confidence, self- esteem and self awareness.
It is prominent in the development of the collaborative working and is significant in the
development of the communication skills (Marchant and et.al., 2019). Outdoor learning also
assist in fine and gross motor development. As per the Gibbs reflective model, I believe that,
outdoor education is one of the various diverse field which is prominent in introducing wide set
of activities to the children, working with diverse set of challenging people, instructing high

degree of skills to the young adults and also provides outdoor activities to the people who has
disability. Outdoor education can be simply referred to as the experiential learning. I have
examined that, the outdoor learning is useful because it helps in encouraging learners to
effectively indulge in various set of outdoor learning activities for the own personal development
and experience.
Feelings: As per the Gibbs reflective model, I feel excited to be a part of the outdoor
learning which is useful in building cultural, social and nature connection. Local champions,
modelling and mentoring are considered to be prominent which is useful in enabling outdoor
learning and playing. It is significant because it helps the young individuals in achieving
healthy, sustainable and helps in building self led relationship with the natural environment by
effectively paying attention to the reflective capability and experimental learning. I believe that,
indulging students in outdoor learning is highly beneficial for the childhood progression. As per
the Gibbs reflective model, Coercive outdoor experience can be a catalyst for high degree of
memorable and powerful learning. It helps the child in effectively dealing up with the wide
degree of environmental situations which mainly includes informal education, out door
recreation and personal adventure. It is highly significant in upholding of the behaviour and
values which is useful for the others in order to enjoy the environment, gain skills and make
positive difference to the world (Gibbs Reflective Cycle by Graham Gibbs, 2018). I have also
examined the fact that, outdoor learning leads to the creation of the lifelong participation by
indulging with the outdoor competence. This is useful in development of the resilience, character
and positive risk taking. As per the Gibbs reflective model, I feel high excited to indulge in the
outdoor learning process because it is useful in employing wide range outdoor intelligence and
learning to the students. It is useful for me to contribute on increase in the performance by
effectively experiencing outdoor learning. Outdoor learning is useful in increasing the mental,
social and physical health of the individual (Gray, and Mitten, 2018). Outdoor learning is
significant because it has helped me understanding the key relationship between curriculum areas
and interplay. This helps in creating lifelong opportunities and helps in developing the critical
thinking skills. It is prominent in creating wide range of opportunities to develop key skills in
order to assess and also helps in managing risk while taking key decision. Indulging in the
outdoor learning results in stimulating the senses like touch, feel, hear and see. It is significant in
the development of the physical environment. It is significant in development of the muscle

strength and is prominent in gaining self- confidence. I have key skills like empathy, tolerance
and energy which helps me in carrying out specific set of outdoor activities with utmost degree
of accuracy and relevance.
Evaluation: As per the Gibbs reflective model, the outdoor activities tends to put high
emphasis on the self development, recreational activities and teaching activity specific skills. The
outdoor activities are carried out by supervisor, instructor lead and effectively teaching students
in outdoor (Asmara, , Anwar and Muhammad, ., 2016). I significantly believe on the fact that,
outdoor learning establishments is useful because it tends to offer range of options to all the age
groups. As per the Gibbs reflective model, I believe the fact that, the individuals who expect to
meet the individuals who are highly passionate to work within the outdoor environment. It has
helped me in creating the outdoor environment and also tends to have high degree of desire to
effectively meet the new people and helps in knowing new people (Gibbs Reflective Cycle by
Graham Gibbs, 2018). There seems to be part time, full time, self employment and voluntary
opportunities to the people of varied age group. It is useful in leading, delivering and providing
transformational experience to the adults or children. It is useful in the management of the
outdoor learning. It is useful in providing coaching and training process associated with the
range of outdoor learning outdoor activities mainly comprises of canoeing, sailing, mountain
biking, climbing, archery, orienteering, bush craft, landscape history, caving, hiking, coasteering,
ropes courses, rock pooling, landscape history, environmental science, geography, geology,
environmental science, etc. As per the Gibbs reflective model, I have examined that, outdoor
activities trainee instructor and supervisor ensures the teaching and safety skills which in turn has
to be taken into consideration to effectively carry out any set of outdoor activities. I believe that,
the key roles and responsibilities which are highly linked with the briefing the key participants
associated with the health and safety and logistics. Designing of the outdoor activity products
and programmes for varied set of groups. It is useful in designing learning key set of learning
resources for the specific group.
As per the Gibbs reflective model, the key roles and responsibilities which are linked
with the delivering of the training sessions in the outdoor and classroom environment. I have
also investigated that, maintaining and effectively maintaining and preparing the equipments.
Keeping liaising with the other outdoor users and organizations associated with the site specific
issues and environmental conditions. The individual must always take into consideration various

set of hazardous events which can largely affect the mental and physical health of the individual
person. The instructor and supervisor who in turn has been working within the outdoor
education establishment must always focus on significantly updating and carrying out the risk
assessment plan. I have also evaluated that, mountain leader training within the UK must always
train and manage the key schemes within the specific area (Gray, 2018). I have examined that,
the key skills which are to be required by the instructor and supervisor who in turn has been
working within the outdoor education establishment mainly includes sufficient competence in
order to carry out the specialized set of activities in order to teach and also support others who
has been undertaking the specific set of activities. I also believe that, time keeping skills and
reliability skills are considered to be of utmost importance within the outdoor education
establishment. Moreover, excellent group management, communication skills and excellent
leadership skills are of utmost importance. This way it helps in imparting the best possible
outdoor learning experience to the young adults or children. The instructor and supervisor within
the outdoor education workplace must have the key ability to support and also empathise the
individuals within the specific situations which are emotionally and physically demanding
(Tuuling, LÕun and Ugaste, 2019). I also sought to believe the fact that, the good organization
and logical approach plays one of the key significant skills while imparting outdoor learning to
the students or young adults who are getting indulged within such outdoor activities. High degree
of enthusiasm for effectively carrying out the specialized set of activities within the outdoor
environment helps in boosting up the motivation to get indulge in such activities. The patience
and tolerance skills are of utmost importance which is useful in helping those people who has
been lacking confidence and has been behaving a challenging manner. The instructor and
supervisor must always tends to have a calm behaviour with reassuring demeanour (Gibbs
Reflective Cycle by Graham Gibbs, 2018). This way it helps in carrying out all the outside
activities with utmost degree of accuracy and relevance. The instructor and supervisor within the
outdoor education workplace must have the key capability skills to assess the situation rapidly
and must also act decisively when working under pressure. Also, a clean driving license is
considered to be highly prominent for the outdoor activities instructor.
Analysis: As per the Gibbs reflective model, I have critically analysed the fact that,
working within the outdoor learning is useful in creating a foundation for the professional, social
and personal life. The instructor and the supervisor develops specific set of transferable skills

which in turn mainly comprises of planning, communication, taking responsibility, adventurous,
accountability, inspiring attitude, motivating, etc. which is highly significant in bringing
adventurous spot in the life (Wahyuni, and et.al., 2017). I have carried out an outdoor
apprenticeship program which has been designed specifically in order to work within the outdoor
learning. I have been seeking for the opportunities who tends to offer fast track, seasonal for
effectively aspiring the outdoor professional to improve the work efficiency. Engaging with the
education guide tends to offer wide set of job roles and specific set of training sessions and
awards which are considered to be as a relevant measure for the outdoor learning. Planning skills
development is one of the key significant measure which is useful in imparting the best possible
practice to the people who wants to get engaged within the outdoor learning experience. I want
to develop my career within the outdoor education. As per the Gibbs reflective model, I have
been working on the job which is considered to be highly significant in the attainment of the
providing the best possible services to the people within the outdoor learning programs (Gray, T
and Mitten, 2018). Outdoor is useful in the creation of the wide set of activities which is highly
significant in boosting up the physical and mental health of the individual person. I tend to
believe that, outdoor learning tends to have a lucrative career options which helps in providing
the best possible experiments and indulge within the outdoor activities. Carrying out the CPR
training and health and safety training with the first aid use course helps the outdoor educator to
effectively provide the best possible outdoor learning experience to the children and young
adult.
Conclusion: As per the Gibbs reflective model, the instructor and the supervisor of the
outdoor education establishment tends to spend time outside the doors. I have evaluated that, the
person who is highly engaged with such activities is highly linked with the high degree of risk
(Waite, Bølling, and Bentsen, 2016). I believe that, career development practitioner tends to
particularly help people of all the age groups in order to experience and practice outdoor
learning throughout the life. They tends to focus on significantly providing advice, information
and assistance associated with the wide range of outdoor activities. I have been developing wide
set of assistance which is useful in the development of the higher operational goals and leads to
higher performance and productivity. I have been a part of sports activities in school and have
selected physical education (Gibbs Reflective Cycle by Graham Gibbs, 2018). This has helped
me find out that, I have key interest in effectively examining the college and higher education

course in order to impart outdoor learning activities to the children and young adult in a true and
reliable manner. I believe that, outdoor learning is useful in the promotion of the lifelong
learning and is significant in the development of the critical thinking skills. It is useful in
assessing the risk and managing of the risk at the time of making key decisions. I have took part
in the voluntary participation which is highly significant in the attainment of the higher
operational goals and sustainability. Outdoor learning activities is useful in understanding and
respecting the nature. The environment and high degree of interdependence associated with the
animals, humans, plants and life cycles. It helps in gaining relishing experience and is useful in
learning the best through the active movement of the individual. It is significant in reducing the
anxiety among the outsider learner but is useful for them to significantly learn more about the
environment. I believe that, engaging within the outdoor planning is useful in encouraging an
active lifestyle by improving the outdoor learning establishment (Fägerstam, . and Grothérus,
2018). It is useful for the development of the social skills and helps in significantly
understanding the various risk measures. It is useful appreciating of the nature and the
environment within the outdoor learning. It helps in benefiting the brain and is highly significant
in improving the neurotransmitter functions and leads to personal, physical and development of
the individual.
Action: As per the Gibbs reflective model, I focus on connecting the outdoor learning
experience with an indoor learning experience as it will be useful in maximizing the outdoor
learning (Agusta, 2018, December). I also believe that, developing the observation skills among
the women is highly significant because it is considered to be as the key relevant strategy which
is useful to carry out outdoor education within the workplace or establishment. It is considered to
be highly crucial for me to effectively anticipate the key issues and concerns which has been
faced by the learners. It is very crucial for me to completely understand the fears of the
individual while carrying out outdoor learning. I believe that, choosing of the short excursions
helps in practising the behaviour expectations. Making children learn that, they have been
working in team and keeping them accountable in order to help each other to carry out the
specific set of task. I also invite parents, community workers and specialist which helps in
joining the activities in order to effectively work with the students. Providing an opportunity to
the children is useful in sharing their thinking, learning and inspiring one another to get actively
indulge in the outdoor learning activities. I have a long term goal to develop the career within

this outdoor learning. Professional who belongs to the outdoor learning which tends to make
positive set of difference for the learners (Yıldırım and Akamca, 2017). It is useful in building
wide set of social connection and carry out activities within the the adventure. The outdoor
learning establishment also focuses on attaining high degree of a action for the sustainability. I
will focus on ensuring that outdoor learners completely understand the risk and take necessary
precautionary measures which helps in meeting the needs and requirements. It also helps me in
encouraging the active lifestyle which helps in improving the health outcomes in an individual
person. Building relation with the natural environment helps in building connection and improve
the well-being and health outcomes of the outdoor learner. It results in the progression within the
child (Gibbs Reflective Cycle by Graham Gibbs, 2018). The outdoor learning establishment is
useful in complying with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority which helps in delivering
the best possible services to the outdoor learners and young adults. Outdoor learning is useful for
the learners because it helps in developing self awareness, self esteem and confidence. This helps
in developing collaborative work environment and indulge with nature.
CONCLUSION
From the above carried out reflective portfolio, I have a analysed that, Outdoor learning
leads to the social and personal benefit of the family by engaging in the engage in with adventure
and environmental activities. Outdoor learning also assist in fine and gross motor development.
This is useful in development of the resilience, character and positive risk taking. The instructor
and supervisor must carry out the risk assessment plan. The key skills which are required are
patience and tolerance skills, keeping skills and reliability skills, excellent leadership skills ,
excellent group management, communication skills, high degree of enthusiasm, empathy,
planning skills, etc. In order to impart effective knowledge to the outdoor learners. Outdoor
learning activities is useful in understanding and respecting the nature. It is useful in building
wide set of social connection.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Agusta, A.R., 2018, December. Improving the Student’s Cooperation and Environmental Care
Skill using Outdoor Learning Strategy Outbound Variation. In 1st International
Conference on Creativity, Innovation and Technology in Education (IC-CITE 2018).
Atlantis Press.
Asmara, C.H., Anwar, K. and Muhammad, R.N., 2016. EFL Learners' Perception toward an
Outdoor Learning Program. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 4(2),
pp.74-81.
Fägerstam, E. and Grothérus, A., 2018. Secondary school students' experience of outdoor
learning: a swedish case study. Education, 138(4), pp.378-392.
Gray, T. and Mitten, D. eds., 2018. The Palgrave international handbook of women and outdoor
learning. London, England: Palgrave Macmillan.
Gray, T. and Mitten, D., 2018. Nourishing terrains: Women’s contributions to outdoor learning
environments. In The Palgrave international handbook of women and outdoor
learning (pp. 3-17). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Gray, T., 2018. Outdoor learning: Not new, just newly important. Curriculum
Perspectives, 38(2), pp.145-149.
Marchant, E and et.al., 2019. Curriculum-based outdoor learning for children aged 9-11: A
qualitative analysis of pupils’ and teachers’ views. PloS one, 14(5), p.e0212242.
Tuuling, L., Õun, T. and Ugaste, A., 2019. Teachers’ opinions on utilizing outdoor learning in
the preschools of Estonia. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 19(4),
pp.358-370.
Wahyuni, S and et.al., 2017. Developing science process skills and problem solving abilities
based on outdoor learning in junior high school. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 6(1).
Waite, S., Bølling, M. and Bentsen, P., 2016. Comparing apples and pears?: a conceptual
framework for understanding forms of outdoor learning through comparison of English

Forest Schools and Danish udeskole. Environmental Education Research, 22(6), pp.868-
892.
Yıldırım, G. and Akamca, G.Ö., 2017. The effect of outdoor learning activities on the
development of preschool children. South African Journal of Education, 37(2).
Online
Gibbs Reflective Cycle by Graham Gibbs. 2018. [ONLINE]. Available
through:<https://www.toolshero.com/management/gibbs-reflective-cycle-graham-gibbs/>