There were two main purposes of this project. First, we assessed the current practices at the University of Iowa’s School of the Wild program to determine how social-emotional learning outcomes were being addressed in the program, compared the program to similar types of outdoor education programs in the United States and internationally, and investigated pedagogical frameworks used in outdoor learning. Additionally, we determined how the current program aligns with CASEL and Iowa social-emotional learning competencies.

After the research above was completed, we designed and conducted a pilot study at the School of the Wild to investigate the following question: What experiences do students at School of the Wild encounter that allows them to connect with their emotions? Following observations, focus group interviews with students and student journal entries were collected. The findings indicate that overall, students at School of the Wild gained experience in talking about and managing their emotions. Students experienced a broad spectrum of ways in which they could talk beyond just their feelings but also physical feelings. Students were provided opportunities to write, reflect, and meditate independently from their peers to check in with their physical and mental bodies.

Project Team

Jay Gorsh, Director, School of the Wild, University of Iowa

Tara Tedrow, Graduate Assistant, PhD student in Science Education

Mandy Dunphy, Graduate Assistant, PhD student in Science Education