Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Norwegian teachers’ safety strategies for Friluftsliv excursions: implications for inclusive education
Friluftsliv teachers' safety strategies both included and excluded students, revealing tension between teaching important winter outdoor skills and keeping friluftsliv inclusive.
What's new
Six focus group interviews were held with friluftsliv teachers in an upper secondary Sport and Physical Education programme. The researchers analysed how teachers think about safety strategies in relation to students' outdoor abilities, treating ability as something shaped socially and culturally. Teachers reported a general decline in students' winter friluftsliv abilities. Their safety strategies led to some students being included and others excluded.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
EOTC in Aotearoa aims to be inclusive while keeping students safe. This study suggests that safety strategies related to students' abilities can exclude some students, which is worth considering when planning alpine, snow or other demanding trips.
Putting it into practice
When setting ability-based safety rules for a trip, check who those rules leave out, and plan skill-building beforehand so more students can take part.
How strong is the evidence
This is a qualitative focus group study with friluftsliv teachers. It reflects teachers' views and does not include students' experiences or measured outcomes.
What to read
The findings on safety strategies and inclusion or exclusion.