Publication Date

1965

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Loughlin, Leo J.||Belnap, Ralph A.

Degree Name

M.S. Ed. (Master of Education)

Legacy Department

School of Education

LCSH

Outdoor education; Education; Elementary--Curricula

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to show how the correlation of an outdoor education program with other subject matter areas can strengthen the curriculum of the Public Schools of Itasca, Illinois. Therefore, the curriculum will provide the young people of the community with more knowledge concerning the conservation of natural resources and will give them an opportunity to appreciate the beauties of nature which are afforded them through the direct learning experiences that are carried on in the out-of-doors. The design of the study was descriptive in nature. Information was gathered by two means: (1) library research and (2) personal interviews. The library research was the primary source for information. Books that arc written by well known authors in the field of outdoor education provided a general background of data which was used as the basis of the study. A number of dissertations and theses were reed for the purpose of reviewing past studies in this area. Sane of these were chosen which show trends in outdoor education or school camping. The proposed pilot study for sixth graders gives a detailed description of organizing and operating an outdoor education program for one week. The study includes pre-camp, camp, and post-camp objectives. Other methods of enriching the curriculum in the out-of- doors were given to show that a class need not attend a regular school camp. General objectives with direct experiences for each subject matter area show that all areas may be enriched through outdoor experiences. A presentation of the pilot study will be given to the board of education. After presentation it is recommended that the board adopt this program for the suggested sixth grade class. After the program has been adopted a week will be reserved at which time the actual camping experience will take place. Upon the closing of camp the students, parents, and teachers will be asked to evaluate the entire camping experience. The most important point in evaluation will be the amount of subjectivity and objectivity used by those evaluating the program. Stress will be placed on objectivity. Results of the evaluations will be tabulated and reviewed by administrators, teachers, and lay people to see what the actual findings show. Therefore, the success of this study will be determined by the findings shown on the evaluations. Results tabulated from the evaluation techniques must show that the campers have a better understanding of subject matter areas if outdoor education is to become an integral part of the elementary school curriculum.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

vii, 112 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS