Improving student’s self-evaluation skills in Adventure and Outdoor Education program at Humak University. Self-evaluation tool.
Buczek, Ewa (2024)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024112830866
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024112830866
Tiivistelmä
The focus of this thesis was placed on the improvement of self-evaluation skills among students of the Adventure and Outdoor Education program at Humak University, with the aim of supporting their personal and professional growth. Self-evaluation was identified as a crucial component of the learning process, enabling students to reflect on their experiences, recognize strengths and areas needing improvement, and establish actionable goals for their continued development.
Existing literature on self-evaluation in educational contexts was reviewed, highlighting its role in fostering reflective practice and ongoing growth. The unique challenges and opportunities associated with applying self-evaluation in Adventure and Outdoor Education were explored, given that the practical nature of the field requires students to assess both technical skills and personal attributes.
In response to these challenges, a self-evaluation tool was proposed for students in the Adventure and Outdoor Education program. This tool was designed to support mentoring sessions by helping students recognize and clearly articulate their developing skills. By naming specific abilities, students can build self-awareness, confidence, and an understanding of their progress, creating a foundation for personal growth. The tool provided a structured approach to track skills across four main categories: technical, social, safety, and environmental. The tool will be integrated into the career planning course, allowing students to regularly engage with it throughout their studies, fostering self-awareness and intentional skill development.
Data were collected through document analysis, faculty focus groups, and an online alumni survey, ensuring the tool’s alignment with both the program’s curriculum and the real-world experiences of students. The design of the tool remains practical and user-friendly, providing students with a structured, accessible means of self-reflection and goal-setting. This thesis contributes to the development of Humak’s program by offering a concrete solution to enhance the program’s educational outcomes, ultimately positioning the program as a leader in the field of adventure and outdoor education.
Existing literature on self-evaluation in educational contexts was reviewed, highlighting its role in fostering reflective practice and ongoing growth. The unique challenges and opportunities associated with applying self-evaluation in Adventure and Outdoor Education were explored, given that the practical nature of the field requires students to assess both technical skills and personal attributes.
In response to these challenges, a self-evaluation tool was proposed for students in the Adventure and Outdoor Education program. This tool was designed to support mentoring sessions by helping students recognize and clearly articulate their developing skills. By naming specific abilities, students can build self-awareness, confidence, and an understanding of their progress, creating a foundation for personal growth. The tool provided a structured approach to track skills across four main categories: technical, social, safety, and environmental. The tool will be integrated into the career planning course, allowing students to regularly engage with it throughout their studies, fostering self-awareness and intentional skill development.
Data were collected through document analysis, faculty focus groups, and an online alumni survey, ensuring the tool’s alignment with both the program’s curriculum and the real-world experiences of students. The design of the tool remains practical and user-friendly, providing students with a structured, accessible means of self-reflection and goal-setting. This thesis contributes to the development of Humak’s program by offering a concrete solution to enhance the program’s educational outcomes, ultimately positioning the program as a leader in the field of adventure and outdoor education.