spring 2022
FRI-2581 Value-based Guiding and Teaching in Arctic Nature - 20 ECTS

Type of course

The course can't be taken as a single course, just for students in the programme of Arctic Nature Guide

Course overlap

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

FRI-2583 Value-based Guiding and Teaching in Arctic Nature 20 stp
FRI-1701 Nature Guiding in Coastal Landscape 15 stp

Course content

Value-Based Guiding and Teaching Arctic Nature will be taught throughout the whole of the academic year. The course includes a theoretical approach and a practical focus through field trips, practical work and leadership assignments. The course aims to gradually build-up the candidate’s expertise and competence in guiding in the Arctic nature. The course is divided into 3 main themes:

    Guide Leadership and Hostmanship

  •     Relational guide competence
  •     Situational leadership and transparent guiding
  •     Hostmanship, service quality and intercultural communication
  •     Personal awareness in relation to the guide role

 

    Arctic Nature and Ecology

  •     Biology
  •     Geology
  •     Glaciology
  •     The Arctic ecosystem
  •     Meteorology
  •     The management of nature and culture in the Arctic
  •     Environmental regulations in the Arctic

  Experience Production and Value-Based Guiding

  •     Tourism in the Arctic and on Svalbard
  •     Ecotourism
  •     Eco-philosophy
  •     Nordic friluftsliv and slow adventure
  •     Value-based guiding in nature
  •     The guide’s role in relation to the tourist’s experience and learning
  •     Dramaturgy and storytelling


Objectives of the course

Knowledge

  •    Has broad knowledge of topics related to outdoor leadership, the nature guide role and nature-based tourism.
  •    Has knowledge of various approaches to experience and learning in nature-based tourism.
  •     Has knowledge of the terms transparent guiding, group awareness, planning, Judgement and decision making  in nature.
  •    Has knowledge of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the Nordic Friluftsliv and eco-philosophy
  •    Is familiar with research and development work in the field of sustainability in nature-based tourism.
  •    Can aquire and update his/her knowledge on the nature guide role based on research
  •    Can update his/her knowledge in the field of the nature, culture and geopolitical conditions in the polar region.

Skills

  •     Masters relevant tools, techniques and styles to be a nature guide in the arctic
  •     Masters relevant tools, techniques and styles to facilitate and enhance a guest’s experience of nature and in that context, create space for reflection and contemplation
  •     Can apply knowledge into practical skills in organizing  groups in vulnerable nature on nature’s terms and with a low impact on nature.
  •     Can apply knowledge to recognize most common arctic plants,  animals, landscapes.
  •     Master relevant tools, techniques and styles to disseminate knowledge about the polar region to various groups.

General competence

  •      Can plan and carry out  professional nature guiding in the arctic using personal leadership styles and a diversty of guide skills?
  •     Show aware of the demands tourism makes on a nature guide and their own role in a tourism business
  •    Has insight into the connection between good experiences and learning of guests in natural environments
  •   Develop awareness regarding their own values related to guiding and instruction in the Arctic nature
  •   Be aware of the ecosystem of the Arctic nature; and be aware of what role nature guides can play as ambassadors and friends of the vulnerable Arctic environment with regard to interaction with the guest
  • Can exchange opinions and experiences with others college guides and administration, thereby contribute to the development of good practice of nature guiding in their community.


Language of instruction and examination

English is the language of teaching and exam.

Teaching methods

Each student is expected to work 500 hours to achieve the learning outcomes of the subject. This subject will be taught throughout the year with a focus on individual development. The teaching will include a combination of theoretical lectures, joint reflection discussions, guide and leadership assignments on all the trips, systematic self-evaluation and student evaluation; and supervisor discussions and case work. Guide role experience will be obtained through a practical training period. This period will be carried out as interval sessions in the autumn semester and in a longer period in the spring semester. The period should consist of about 150 hours in total. The candidate will develope a plan for the period, which must be approved by the teacher. The criteria for the period are given in a separate document, which candidates will receive at the start of the studies.

Assessment

The following course requirements must be approved before the candidate may be allowed to take the exam:

  •    Experience acquisition project, with plan and report approved according to criteria given in front of the project.  
  •    Individual written assignment must be submitted and receive a passing mark.
  •    Assignment on the topic of Arctic nature which must be submitted and receive a passing mark.
  •  Pass the test in to recognizing arctic plants, birds and animals.
  •  A summer ski trip will be carried out as a concluding activity of the academic year. Candidates working together will be responsible for the entire execution of the trip and will receive various assignments related to the role of guide; they will be evaluated as pass / fail by the teacher.

Exams An individual written home exam over five days in the spring semester on the course Value-Based Guiding and Teaching Arctic Nature. The grade will be given by letters from A-F, F is fail.

Re-sit examination The Re-sit examination will be in week 39.


  • About the course
  • Campus: Svalbard | Annet |
  • ECTS: 20
  • Course code: FRI-2581
  • Tidligere år og semester for dette emnet