Young students' aesthetic experiences and meaning-making processes in an outdoor environmental school practice. Issue 2 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manni, Annika; Ottander, Christina; Sporre, Karin
• Is Part Of: Journal of adventure education and outdoor learning. Volume 17:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 121
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Aesthetic experience -- meaning-making -- outdoor and environmental education -- emotions; Adventure education -- Periodicals; Outdoor education -- Periodicals; 371.38405
• DOI: 10.1080/14729679.2016.1219872
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-9679

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study uses John Dewey's theoretical concept of 'aesthetic experience' in empirically exploring expressions of cognition and emotion in students' meaning-making processes. A case study was conducted in one class of Grade 6 students during a single school semester. This article reports results from five outdoor days. The empirical material consists of observations, field notes, logbook entries, interviews and students' written reflections. The students' meaning-making processes were analyzed through the Deweyan theory of an initial phase involving anticipation, an activity phase with courses of actions and a concluding phase with reflections that serve as fulfillments. Expressions of aesthetic experience were identified in four important components of the students' meaning-making processes: prior personal experiences; responses to environments and artifacts; social interaction; and situations allowing for responsibility, trust and independence. A more in-depth process-oriented analysis revealed that aesthetic experiences are vital in continuous meaning-making processes.