A Deweyian Framework for Youth Development in Experiential Education: Perspectives From Sail Training and Sailing Instruction

Abstract

In this piece, we put forth a Deweyian framework for youth development activities in outdoor and adventure education programs, and we show how such a framework may be exemplified by activities in sail training and sailing instruction. The paper begins with a discussion of the theoretical features of Deweyian educational experiences and makes connections between these ideas and positive youth development. We then, by reference to the educational activities aboard vessels large and small, provide concrete illustrations of these theoretical features. The goal of the paper is to propose a framework that educators in outdoor and adventure programs-and in youth development programs generally-can employ to bring Dewey's ideas to bear on program design and assessment.

The Youth Adventure Programming Model

“…It has been most comprehensively described by David Kolb, who drew together the theoretical perspectives of John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Jean Piaget (Kolb, ). Experiential learning highlights the importance of giving personal meaning to abstract concepts (Luckner & Nadler, ) by grounding lessons in reality (Hirsch, ; Wojcikiewicz & Mural, ) and making clear the connections between current actions and future consequences (Wojcikiewicz & Mural, ). Kolb () argued that experiential learning is holistic.…”

A Qualitative Analysis of Participant Learning and Growth Using a New Outward Bound Outcomes Instrument

“…The 24 articles used in this systematic review are marked in the reference list with an asterisk (*). Of the 24 publications, two were from a philosophical perspective, meaning they did not report empirical work (Allison & Von Wald, 2013;Wojcikiewicz & Mural, 2010). The remaining 22 publications reported empirical work from 16 studies, showing that single studies produced multiple articles.…”

“…Philosophical research. Of the 24 articles identified, two are philosophical (see Allison & Von Wald, 2013;Wojcikiewicz & Mural, 2010). Both used previous literature and research to discuss a number of points.…”

“…Both used previous literature and research to discuss a number of points. Allison and Von Wald (2013) focused on the process elements (i.e., practices) of sail training, and Wojcikiewicz and Mural (2010) attempted to develop a framework for youth development based on the writings of John Dewey.…”

“…Structured voyage design. Four papers discussed the relationship between structured purposeful learning on sail training voyages and student-related outcomes (see Allison et al, 2007;Cleland, 2002;Henstock, Barker, & Knijnik, 2013;Wojcikiewicz & Mural, 2010). These studies each took a different approach, but showed general consensus that structured purposeful education on a sail training voyage is effective in regard to student outcomes.…”