Advisor

McConnell, Christy

Committee Member

Gottlieb, Derek

Committee Member

Farber, Matthew

Committee Member

Douglas, Scott

Department

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences; School of Teacher Education. Educational Studies

Institution

University of Northern Colorado

Type of Resources

Text

Place of Publication

Greeley, (Colo.)

Publisher

University of Northern Colorado

Date Created

12-2022

Extent

297 pages

Digital Origin

Born digital

Abstract

This study investigates eight college students’ perceptions of their experiences during an accredited outdoor education course entitled Technical Canyoneering. The course took place in four separate desert canyons of the Colorado Plateau, two in Arches National Park, and two on nearby Bureau of Land Management public space. Utilizing the data collection process of photo-elicitation, the participants’ time spent in the canyon settings was described in order to gain an understanding of their experiences, with particular attention paid to analyzing what perceptions those students ascribed to those experiences. The intent was threefold. First, the study makes understanding at how college students perceive the wilderness environment of the course. Secondly, the study demonstrated the beliefs, values, and commitments that are fostered and/or furthered secondary to the students’ perceptions of the place. Thirdly, the study attempted to explicate the value of the desert canyons of the Colorado Plateau and. more broadly, “wilderness” settings as educational venues. The qualitative methodology of educational criticism and connoisseurship guided the study.

Degree type

EdD

Degree Name

Doctoral

Local Identifiers

Deem_unco_0161D_11099.pdf

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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