Preparing to Lead in Natural Environments

Unit code:SOL1004Study level:Undergraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park

Prerequisites

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

This unit introduces students to leadership in natural environments. This includes developing introductory skills in facilitating learning outcomes, developing small communities and conflict resolution. Students will engage in field experiences through which they can practice these skills as well as developing further critical thinking capabilities. Students will also consider future activity specialisations.

Off campus field teaching in this unit may require a levy for incidental fees for accommodation, transport and camping.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Exhibit informed decision making and judgment when engaging in leadership activities;
Demonstrate introductory knowledge and skills required to facilitate personal, social and environmental learning outcomes;
Investigate the value of various leadership approaches; and
Apply and articulate components of situational leadership to outdoor adventure contexts.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Due to risk management and professional/industry requirements to demonstrate knowledge and skill within both simulated and workplace environments, attendance requirements and hurdle tasks apply to field teaching and practicums.

Assessment type: Assignment | Grade: 20%

Leadership review/reflection

Assessment type: Practicum | Grade: 40%

Field experience 1 - Application of professional leadership in natural environments (Hurdle)

Assessment type: Practicum | Grade: 40%

Field experience 2 - Field Reporting of practical skills and knowledge (Hurdle)

Assessment type: Practicum | Grade: 0%

Successful completion/passing of an industry standard Wilderness first aid course (Hurdle)

All unit field practicums are Hurdle Tasks that must be successfully completed to pass the unit. Any failure to complete practicums due to extenuating circumstances such as ill health will require that the practicum be made up in a subsequent delivery.

Field experience requires mandatory attendance of 100% attendance, except under extenuating circumstances. This is due to the unit containing a significant competency component, enabling students to acquire and demonstrate essential skills to meet industry practice (VU Standards for Assessment Procedure (HE) Policy clause 25, 26, 29). Competency is also assessed through hurdle practicum assessments. The security of field experience practicum assessments will be assured through a combination of observed student performance while in the field and photos supporting reporting of actual events while on the field experiences.

The successful completion/passing of an industry standard Wilderness first aid course will be a hurdle requirement in this unit. This hurdle requirement is to ensure that students have appropriate industry-standard skills and knowledge to safely participate in remote and wilderness settings. Wilderness first aid course options will be facilitated through approved external providers.