International Conference on Enhancement and Innovation in Higher Education Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow 9-11 June 2015 Welcome

Wayne McCutcheon and Kelly Paterson University of Strathclyde Outdoor Learning in Scotland in January: what happens when you challenge first year students to go beyond their comfort zone?

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Introduction The School of Education at the University of Strathclyde ran a pilot project in January 2015 where forty first year students, along with a small group of second year mentors, undertook a challenging three-day outdoor learning experience at Lapwing Lodge, Renfrewshire.

- get to know other students and members of the academic staff - face a range of challenging activities where they would learn new skills - develop a range of competencies that would be useful for future learning and development. The purpose of the project was to provide an opportunity through which first year students could:

-Four members of staff from the School of Education booked a Scout Activity Centre. -They planned activities in conjunction with the centre to include outdoor and indoor tasks. -They took responsibility for the catering during the trip and involved students in preparing meals. -Students opted to participate in this event – forty of the two hundred and eighty students studying Education in first year at Strathclyde signed up to attend. Planning and preparing for the event

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My experience Wayne McCutcheon First year student

My experience Kelly Paterson Second year student

Our project was evaluated by academic staff from the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David who took part in activities with students, filmed students participating in activities and spoke to students about their experiences throughout the trip.

Findings Good practice: Good mix of activities, both indoor and outdoor Structured activity time in the evening University staff involvement in all aspects of the trip Second year students acting as mentors Students working in the same group for the duration of the trip Flexible delivery of the programme The trip was optional for students

Impact on students Additional professional experience that can be included on students’ CVs The establishment of new friendship groups A stronger affiliation with the university Developing understanding of outdoor pedagogy Personal development

Impact on university staff Recognition of student development Developing professional relationships with students Workload implications Creating a distinctive student experience

Future developments A second pilot took place last week on the island of Cumbrae.

From four residential trips will be organised for Education students. Up to 200 of the 280 students who study Education in first year at Strathclyde will have the opportunity to take part in a residential trip. Two trips will take place at Lapwing Lodge and two will take place on Cumbrae.

We are happy to take any questions