By: Flanna Yusef

Flanna Yusef — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:01:42 +0000

I’ve noticed on rope courses that the debrief of the event can be just as powerful if not more powerful than the actual event. A method I learned and currently use is:
So – So what was the goal of this event? What equipment did you have? Did you have a time limit? etc.. (focus on the event logistics)
So What – So what did you try to do to achieve that goal? What worked? What didn’t? How did that make you feel? etc.. (focus on the ups and downs of the event)
What Now – What are you going to do now in your regular life differently because of what you learned in this event? (focus on the future and walk away skills)

By: Chuck Steele

Chuck Steele — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:00:56 +0000

I teach an experiential Speech course which includes a camping weekend w/ challenge activities. I was asked to take over the course in 2000 when the original instructor who had developed it decided not to do it any more. I didn’t have any experience in Experiential Education, but I’m always up for a challenge so I accepted. Teaching that course and specifically learning about Experiential Education has really made me a much more effective advisor to Program Board (in addition to becoming much more effective in the classroom as well).
One thing that I’ve found useful is an extension of the Comfort Zone metaphor. We’ve all heard the phrase, “get out of your comfort zone.” But why? What’s out there? The answer is your Learning Zone. And beyond your Learning Zone is your Panic Zone (where no learning takes place cause your only goal in the panic zone is survival). The goal of Experiential Learning is to get people out of their comfort zone without sending them into their panic zone. This also ties in nicely with the idea of setting your own challenges. After all, everybody’s zones look different.
Another piece I like about challenge courses is the ability to increase self-confidence. I think a big piece of that getting students to face their fears. You encourage that creating an environment that is physically and emotionally safe. I have found terrific results by focusing on keeping Program Board an emotionally safe place. It really helps students to take chances and explore their own potential.
These are just a couple examples of how experiential education is a great framework for working in Student Activities.

Comments on: Development By Challenge: A View On Using Ropes Courses as Leadership Development

By: Flanna Yusef

By: Chuck Steele