Developing Communities of Practice for Outdoor Experiential Educators

Manjul Prateeti

Manjul Prateeti

Director/COO, Journey 4 Good/The OREAS Group
Dr. David Marsden

Dr. David Marsden

Director/CEO, Journey 4 Good/The OREAS Group

Developing Communities of Practice for Outdoor Experiential Educators sheds light on the transformative potential of fostering professional communities where educators can share knowledge, challenges, and innovations. This presentation outlines the process of building such communities, addressing the challenges faced, and providing real-world examples of successful CoPs in outdoor experiential education. It emphasises the role of CoPs in promoting continuous learning, enhancing teaching methodologies, improving operations in organisations, and advocating for the importance of outdoor learning. The session concludes with a call to action, inspiring educators to engage in or establish CoPs to enrich the field of outdoor experiential education.

About Manjul

Graduate of Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh. Adventure enthusiast and passionate outdoor learning facilitator, Manjul Prateeti has spent the last fifteen years working internationally from India to America and now Australia helping to develop and facilitate quality outdoor education programs. Currently she is the Director/COO for Journey 4 Good (the OREAS Group) which delivers community-based outdoor immersion programs for school groups. Manjul is also advocates for higher standards of outdoor adventure education delivery through her role as the AEE Accreditation Council member.

About David

Dr. David Marsden’s 30-year career in outdoor education began with early wilderness explorations in South Eastern Australia. Starting as a technical instructor, he has since held roles as an outdoor educator, academic, consultant, and executive, working with diverse age groups and cultures to promote slow and wild pedagogies.

As the Director/ CEO of Journey 4 Good (The OREAS Group), Dave leads efforts to deliver community based outdoor immersion programs to school groups. His doctoral research created a framework to enhance the skills of pre-service outdoor educators through hands-on experience.

Beyond his organizational leadership, Dave advocates for outdoor education through roles on the boards of Outdoors Victoria and the National Centre for Outdoor Risk and Readiness advisory group. His work emphasizes the transformative power of nature to foster human connection and environmental stewardship.