Undergraduate perspectives on the epistemological chain in adventure sports coaching

Abstract

Her EdD focused on employer engagement and vocational/ experiential learning, supported by a MA Education (outdoor), PGCE and BA Hons Leisure Management. Her expertise in the adventure/outdoor industry spans eighteen years as Lecturer/Programme Leader for a range of sport/outdoor and public services courses in FE/HE supported by a former ten years in leisure/outdoor related management and operational roles. Specialisms include outdoor learning and adventure recreation with NGBs in high/low ropes/climbing, orienteering, paddlesports and expeditions/hill walking.

Flowing with the TIDE: A case study of the nature and development of epistemic beliefs of a high-level adventure sports coach

“…Research has consistently documented sophisticated epistemic beliefs of coaches within an adventure sports context. 3,14,15 Interviews with high-level adventure sports coaches (ASC) from paddlesport 3 and multiple adventure sports 14 reported commonality in ASC's focus on developing independent performers, the importance of coaches' use of reflection, and acting as a catalyst for learning. Such learning intentions are consistent with well-developed epistemic beliefs; for example, in the inherently unstable adventure environment which is outside of the coach's immediate control, the belief that learners will need to construct novel solutions to subtly different problems posed by the environment is consistent with coaching practices which develop the performers capable of acting independently of the coach.…”