FRI-2581 Value-based Guiding and Teaching in Arctic Nature - 20 stp

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:  

• Nature Guide Role - counts for 7,5 ect.
  • Relational guide competence  - the nature guides soft skills.
  • Pedagogic of the Norwegian Friluftsliv (Veglederlære)
  • Situational leadership and transparent guiding
  • Hostmanship, service quality and intercultural communication
  • Key social psychological concepts such as group dynamics, attitudes and motivation
  • Personal awareness in relation to the guide role  
• Experience Production and Value-Based Guiding - counts for 7,5 ect.
  • Tourism in the Arctic and on Svalbard
  • The tourist: expectations, motivation and attitudes
  • Ecotourism and experiences
  • Eco-philosophy
  • The Norwegian friluftsliv tradition
  • Value-based guiding in nature
  • The guide's role in relation to the tourist¿s experience and learning
  • The guide as mediator
  • Dramaturgy and storytelling  
• Nature in the Arctic - counts for 5 ects.
  • Geology
  • Glaciology
  • Biology
  • The Arctic ecosystem
  • Meteorology
  • The management of nature and culture in the Arctic
  • Environmental regulations in the Arctic

Knowledge

• Theoretical knowledge of leadership and the hosting of groups in the natural environment based on relevant research.
• Theoretical knowledge of experience production in nature-based tourism; and knowledge of the background and basic values ¿¿of the Norwegian Friluftsliv tradition and eco-philosophy.
• An understanding of the nature, culture, history and geopolitical conditions in the polar region. 

Skills

• Have the ability to be a host, mediator and leader of groups in the polar region
• Be able to facilitate and enhance a guest¿s experience of nature and in that context, create space for reflection and contemplation; and be able to lead groups in vulnerable nature on nature¿s terms and without leaving any trace.
• Be able to recognize most arctic plants, birds and animals; and have the ability to disseminate knowledge about the polar region to various groups

General competence

• Be aware of their own leadership style and guide role; and be aware of the demands tourism makes on a nature guide and their own role in a tourism business.
• Be aware of 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.

Each student is expected to work 500 hours to achieve the learning outcomes of the subject.

Nature Guide Role

This theme 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 management 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 formulate 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.

Experience Production and Value-Based Guiding

The course will consist of seminars, workshops, group work, joint reflection and project work. Students will start on their project in experience production. This will culminate with polar night products on Svalbard, which students will perform with guests at the beginning of the spring semester.  

Nature in the Arctic This theme emphasises knowledge of the Arctic nature. Instruction includes practical activities in the field, theoretical lectures and self study. The practical part of the course will be taught during  excursions mentioned under the course Safe Guiding in the Arctic. The content of the course will naturally follow the rhythm of the Arctic nature throughout the year.

Requirements

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

• In the theme Nature Guide Role the candidate must have his/her practice placement and report approved according to the practice placement criteria. 
• Individual written assignment on the project concerning experience production, which must be submitted and receive a passing mark.
• Assignment on the theme 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

Re-sit examination will be arranged.