Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.R.1.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year rudens semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Grassroots Sporting Activities/Foundations and Didactics (Tourism, Climbing)

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
LSPA_464
Branch of Science
Health sciences; Other Sub-Branches of Health and Sports Science; Sport Pedagogy; Theory and History of Sports
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Sports Trainer
LQF
Level 5
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-time (Off site)

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Inga Liepiņa
Structure Unit Manager
Diāna Laipniece
Structural Unit
Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE)
Contacts

LSPA, Brīvības gatve 333, Riga, LV-1006

About Study Course

Objective

To acquire knowledge and practical skills in folk sport activities through the approach of adventure education, including the use of digital technologies and methods for planning and leading outdoor activities.

Preliminary Knowledge

General secondary education.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Students will identify and describe the basic principles and methodologies of adventure education.

Individual work and tests

Set of Adventure Activities

2.Students describe the types of adventure events and their use in sports education processes in Latvia and the world.

Individual work and tests

Participation in Adventure Activities with and without Digital Technology

3.Different methods of adventure sport/education and their impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of participants are distinguished and compared.

Individual work and tests

Set of Adventure Activities • Participation in Adventure Activities with and without Digital Technology

Skills

1.Students will be able to plan and facilitate small-scale adventure education activities using appropriate methods and ensuring safety.

Individual work and tests

Set of Adventure Activities • Planning and Leading an Adventure Activity

2.Demonstrate collaborative and communication skills by performing team tasks indoors and in nature.

Individual work and tests

Planning and Leading an Adventure Activity • Participation in Adventure Activities with and without Digital Technology

3.Evaluate the best adventure activities for a specific situation based on the target audience and context.

Individual work and tests

Peer Evaluation of the Activity Leader (Opponent Role)

Competences

1.Students develop and implement a small adventure sports activity integrating the acquired knowledge and skills.

2.Reflecting on the impact of adventurous activities on group dynamics and individual development of participants.

Individual work and tests

Set of Adventure Activities • Peer Evaluation of the Activity Leader (Opponent Role)

3.Make informed and responsible decisions, managing team tasks and ensuring the security and engagement of members.

Individual work and tests

Planning and Leading an Adventure Activity

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Set of Adventure Activities
20.00% from total grade
10 points

The student is required to design a set of adventure-based activities tailored for a specific target group, considering their age, physical abilities, and previous experience with adventure education. The activity set should include at least three different tasks (e.g. cooperation, trust-building, challenge-based) with a clear description, objective, required materials, and implementation guidelines.

Additionally, the student should submit a short reflection explaining the rationale behind their selection, and how these activities support the aims of adventure education for the chosen group.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Planning and Leading an Adventure Activity
30.00% from total grade
10 points

The student is required to plan and lead one adventure or team-building activity for fellow course participants. The activity may take place either indoors or outdoors, depending on the goal and context. The student must:

  • engage the group and introduce the purpose of the activity,
  • clearly explain the instructions and any safety considerations,
  • facilitate the activity while observing group interaction and collaboration,
  • provide structured feedback to participants at the end, encouraging reflection and learning.

This task assesses the student’s ability to facilitate group processes, adapt to the group's needs, and provide meaningful feedback in the context of adventure education.
2.

Peer Evaluation of the Activity Leader (Opponent Role)
10.00% from total grade
10 points

The student takes on the role of an opponent (peer evaluator) by observing and assessing a fellow student’s facilitation of an adventure or team activity. The opponent evaluates:

  • the structure and clarity of the activity (preparation, instructions, safety),
  • group engagement and the facilitator’s responsiveness,
  • the quality of feedback given to participants at the end.

After the session, the opponent provides constructive feedback both orally and in written form, using a structured evaluation form provided by the instructor.
3.

Participation in Adventure Activities with and without Digital Technology
40.00% from total grade
10 points

The student is expected to actively participate in various adventure education activities, including those incorporating digital technologies (e.g. geocaching, Actionbound, etc.).

Assessment will be based on:

  • the student’s presence and engagement during practical sessions,
  • active involvement in group processes,
  • the ability to navigate and utilize digital tools within activity contexts.

Evaluation will rely on instructor observation and/or participation records provided during the course.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Introduction to Adventure Education
Description

Definition of adventure education, its historical development in Latvia and worldwide, core principles, and relevance in contemporary education.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Types of Adventure Activities and Their Impact
Description

Overview of various adventure-based tasks (cooperation, physical challenges, trust-building), their objectives, and educational value.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Group Dynamics and Collaboration in Adventure Activities
Description

Stages of group development, roles within teams, and strategies for fostering communication and cooperation through experiential tasks.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Instructor Role and Leadership in Adventure Contexts
Description

Leadership styles, responsibilities of the facilitator, managing group processes, building trust, and motivating participants.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Safety and Risk Management in Adventure Education
Description

Risk assessment and mitigation, safety procedures, ethical and legal considerations in organizing and facilitating activities.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Digital Technologies in Adventure Education
Description

Incorporating tools like Actionbound, geocaching, interactive maps, and balancing digital elements with physical engagement.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Digital Technologies in Adventure Education
Description

Incorporating tools like Actionbound, geocaching, interactive maps, and balancing digital elements with physical engagement.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Adapting Activities for Different Target Groups
Description

Selecting and adjusting tasks based on participants’ age, experience, needs, and creating inclusive and motivating experiences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Adapting Activities for Different Target Groups
Description

Selecting and adjusting tasks based on participants’ age, experience, needs, and creating inclusive and motivating experiences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Digital Technologies in Adventure Education
Description

Incorporating tools like Actionbound, geocaching, interactive maps, and balancing digital elements with physical engagement.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Digital Technologies in Adventure Education
Description

Incorporating tools like Actionbound, geocaching, interactive maps, and balancing digital elements with physical engagement.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Adapting Activities for Different Target Groups
Description

Selecting and adjusting tasks based on participants’ age, experience, needs, and creating inclusive and motivating experiences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Adapting Activities for Different Target Groups
Description

Selecting and adjusting tasks based on participants’ age, experience, needs, and creating inclusive and motivating experiences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Reflection as a Learning Tool in Adventure-Based Learning
Description

Importance of reflective thinking, methods for guiding reflection, crafting meaningful questions, and supporting group insights.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Planning and Leading Adventure Activities
Description

Structuring an activity from start to finish, including introduction, rules, safety briefings, facilitation, and debriefing.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Planning and Leading Adventure Activities
Description

Structuring an activity from start to finish, including introduction, rules, safety briefings, facilitation, and debriefing.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Design and Evaluation of an Adventure Event
Description

Developing, implementing, and analyzing a small-scale adventure event. Reflection on outcomes, challenges, and learning.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Design and Evaluation of an Adventure Event
Description

Developing, implementing, and analyzing a small-scale adventure event. Reflection on outcomes, challenges, and learning.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
36 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME (OFF SITE)
Part 1

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Introduction to Adventure Education
Description

Definition of adventure education, its historical development in Latvia and worldwide, core principles, and relevance in contemporary education.
Types of Adventure Activities and Their Impact
Description

Overview of various adventure-based tasks (cooperation, physical challenges, trust-building), their objectives, and educational value.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Group Dynamics and Collaboration in Adventure Activities
Description

Stages of group development, roles within teams, and strategies for fostering communication and cooperation through experiential tasks.
Instructor Role and Leadership in Adventure Contexts
Description

Leadership styles, responsibilities of the facilitator, managing group processes, building trust, and motivating participants.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Safety and Risk Management in Adventure Education
Description

Risk assessment and mitigation, safety procedures, ethical and legal considerations in organizing and facilitating activities.
Adapting Activities for Different Target Groups
Description

Selecting and adjusting tasks based on participants’ age, experience, needs, and creating inclusive and motivating experiences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Digital Technologies in Adventure Education
Description

Incorporating tools like Actionbound, geocaching, interactive maps, and balancing digital elements with physical engagement.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Digital Technologies in Adventure Education
Description

Incorporating tools like Actionbound, geocaching, interactive maps, and balancing digital elements with physical engagement.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Reflection as a Learning Tool in Adventure-Based Learning
Description

Importance of reflective thinking, methods for guiding reflection, crafting meaningful questions, and supporting group insights.
Adapting Activities for Different Target Groups
Description

Selecting and adjusting tasks based on participants’ age, experience, needs, and creating inclusive and motivating experiences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Planning and Leading Adventure Activities
Description

Structuring an activity from start to finish, including introduction, rules, safety briefings, facilitation, and debriefing.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Planning and Leading Adventure Activities
Description

Structuring an activity from start to finish, including introduction, rules, safety briefings, facilitation, and debriefing.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Design and Evaluation of an Adventure Event
Description

Developing, implementing, and analyzing a small-scale adventure event. Reflection on outcomes, challenges, and learning.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
18 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Digitālā aplikācija Slēpņošana/GeocachingSuitable for English stream

2.

Digitālā aplikācija ActionboundSuitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Ewert, A., Sibthorp, J. 2014. Outdoor Adventure Education: Foundations, Theory, and Research. 1st Edition. Human Kinetic.Suitable for English stream

2.

Izglītojošs audiovizuāls materiāls: "Piedzīvojums dabā" (LSM.lv raidījumi)

3.

Priest, S., & Gass, M. A. 2018. Effective Leadership in Adventure Programming. 3rd Edition. Human Kinetics.Suitable for English stream