Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Challenge for Whom? Encouraging Ongoing Dialogue on Appropriate Challenge in Outdoor Adventure Education
Outdoor educators are urged to keep questioning whether the comfort zone model and challenge by choice suit every participant.
What's new
This 'practices' paper draws on the authors' experience and recent scholarly discourse to question the assumption that certain OAE challenges are universally beneficial and appropriate for all participants. It looks at the comfort zone model and challenge by choice. The authors suggest that rigid adherence to these models may limit how effective and inclusive programmes are. They call for programmes that take account of individual preferences, abilities and lived experiences. The paper ends with a list of questions for reflecting on challenge and on training new facilitators.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
EOTC in Aotearoa serves students with very different backgrounds and needs. The paper helps staff review how they set challenge so it works for more students.
Putting it into practice
Work through the paper's closing questions at a staff or instructor training session.
How strong is the evidence
This is a reflective practice paper based on experience and existing literature, with no new data.
What to read
The closing list of questions and considerations.