Outdoor Education & Environmental Education

Centre for Excellence in Outdoor and Environmental Education

Staff Profile

Dr Peter Martin

Senior Lecturer
Deputy Head of Centre (Research)

Room/Location: Ironbark Centre, 2.01
Ph: 5444 7278
Fx: 5444 7848
Email: p.martin@latrobe.edu.au

Qualifications

• PhD La Trobe, 2002.
• Master of Science (Outdoor Education) University of Oregon, U.S.A., 1985.
• Certificate IV in Workplace Trainer Category 2, NSW School of Volunteer management, 1997.
• Diploma of Education (P.E., Science), Burwood State College of Victoria, 1978.
• Bachelor of Human Performance, University of Melbourne, 1977.

Teaching Areas

• Concepts of Outdoor Education (Unit co-ordinator)
• Teaching in Rock Environments. Year 3 OE, (Unit co-ordinator)

Supervision

• Current PhD and Masters students

Professional Involvement

• VCE Outdoor and Environmental studies accreditation Panel. 2003 - 2004
• Reviewer 2004 International Outdoor Education research conference, Bgo Australia .
• Outdoor Council of Australia . Board member. 2003 to present.

• Advisory panel/reviewer Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. 2001 to present.

• Reviewer, Australian National Outdoor Education conference papers, 2003

• Associate editor Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. 1998 -2001

• Chair of the Australian Outdoor Education Council. 1998-2000

• VCE Outdoor and Environmental studies accreditation Panel. 1999 - 2000

• Project steering committee for the development of the Recreation Training Package - curriculum support material. 1999

• Chair of the Project Steering committee for development of the endorsed components of the National Outdoor Recreation Training Package. 1998 - 1999

Research Interests

My research and writing interests include three main areas, human/nature relationships, learning in rock environments and professionalism in outdoor education. These can be explained more specifically through a reading of articles available as pdf files underlined in the publications list below.

Human/nature relationships

I consider outdoor education to be a significant contributor to education for sustainability - for me this is a prime rationale for outdoor education. What is interesting is that much education for sustainability, environmental education or outdoor education lacks a sound research base in support of preferred pedagogy. Based on my PhD study and subsequent research on school children's knowledge and interest in landscape, I have concluded that connections to nature are based in the affective domain. Essentially I conclude that while what we might do in our behaviour and responses to landscape are well constructed and thought out, the basis of those actions is emotional. The challenge therefore it to understand how such responses are developed and fostered in educational contexts.

These conclusions lead to developing a curriculum for sustainability that is founded in personal direct experience of the outdoors. Unfortunately much mainstream education does not include the opportunity for students to experience and learn about the natural place in which they live. Education must become more cognizant of locality and the role citizens can play as members of local bioregions.

Learning in Rock Environments

Rockclimbing is a passion – and passions last forever! Through years of climbing, living, working and learning about cliff environments I have developed a strong attachment to such landscapes. Most importantly I have been able to learn how experiences, inquiry and relationships with place grow over time. Rockclimbing in outdoor education can be a powerful way to know and learn about yourself and rocky landscapes. I am interested in how we can use climbing as a learning tool to ensure these outcomes are gained.

Professionalism

Professionalism within the outdoor education field remains a strong interest area of mine, and one that benefits the Centre through publication and professional involvement. I have researched and written about the development of professionalism and this work helped me to create the framework around which the 2001 Australian Outdoor Education Association summit conference was constructed. I have an ongoing interest in how professional practice is gained and then interpreted by the wider community.

Recent Publications and Presentations

Martin, P. (2007). Caring for the Environment: Challenges from the notions of caring. Australian Journal of Environmental Education, 23, 57-64

Beringer, A. & Martin, P. (2006) Towards Sustainable Living Through Outdoor Education. In Filho, W. & Carpenter, D. (Ed.) Sustainability in the Australasian University Context. Frankfurt: Peter Lang

Martin, P. (2005). Outdoor Leadership Competence in Academic Pathways: Or how can 4-year trained teachers of outdoor education demonstrate competence? In 14 th National Outdoor Conference Proceedings. Outdoor Council of Australia.

Martin, P. (2005). Human to Nature Relationship Through Outdoor Education. In Gray, T., Dickson, T. & Hayllar, B. (Eds.), Outdoor and Experiential Learning: Views from the top. Otago, NZ: Otago University Press.

Martin, P. (2004). Outdoor Education for Human/Nature Relationships. Paper presented at : Connections and Disconnections: Examining the reality and rhetoric. International perspectives on outdoor education theory and practice, La Trobe University Bendigo.

Martin, P. (2004) Outdoor Adventure in Promoting Relationships with Nature.
Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. vol. 8, 1, pp. 20-28.

Beringer, A. & Martin, P. (2003) On Adventure Therapy and the Natural Worlds: Respecting nature's healing. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. UK . Vol 3,1, pp. 29-39

Martin, P. (2001). What is a Profession? Journal of Outward Bound Canada . Vol 8, 1, pp. 8-13.

Lugg, A. & Martin. P. (2001). The Nature and Scope of Outdoor Education in Victorian Schools.' Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. vol. 5, 2, pp. 42-48.

Martin, P. & Thomas, G. (2000). Interpersonal relationships as a metaphor for human-nature relationships.' Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol. 5, 1, pp. 39-45.

Martin, P. (2000). Leadership Ethics.' in Bushwalking and Skitouring Leadership 3rd Ed. Melbourne: Vic. Gov. pp. 251-254.

Martin, P. (1999). Daring to Care? - Humans, Nature and Outdoor Education.' Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol. 4, 1, pp. 2-4.

Martin, P. (1999). Critical Outdoor Education. In Miles, J. & Priest, S. (Ed.) Adventure Education (2nd Ed.): State College , PA : Venture Publishing, pp. 463-471.

Martin, P. (1999). Practical Stories in a Theoretical Framework. In Miles, J. and Priest, S. (Ed.) Adventure Education (2nd Ed.): State College , PA : Venture Publishing, pp. 168-180.

Martin, P. (1998). Education Ideology and Outdoor Education. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol. 3, 1, pp.14-20.

Martin, P. (1996). New Perspectives of Self, Nature and Others. (Reprinted) VCE Outdoor Education Teacher Resource. Vol. 2, , pp.4.1.3. 3-6.

Martin, P. (1993). Future Directions for Outdoor Education-are they worth the costs?'(invited & reprinted) Adventure Education, vol. 10, 3, p.16-19.

Martin, P. & Priest, S. (1986) Understanding the Adventure Experience. Adventure Education vol. 1, p.18-20.

Non Refereed (up until 1998 no refereed journal of outdoor education was published in the Australia . Writing to build the body of knowledge or influence outdoor education was therefore published in the edited journals and magazines.)

Martin, P. (2001). Key Issues in the Industry. Proceedings of the 12 th National Outdoor Education Conference La Trobe University, Bendigo : VOEA. P.179-187.

Martin, P. (2001). ORCA, AOEC, Education, Accreditation?' Proceedings of the 12 th National Outdoor Education Conference La Trobe University, Bendigo : VOEA. P.189-192.

Martin, P. (2001). Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Education: parts of a bigger whole.' Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol. 4, 2, p. 48.

Martin, P. (1998). Guest Editorial. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, vol. 2, 3, pp.1-2,.

Martin, P. (1997). Professional training and education pathways in outdoor education and outdoor recreation leadership.' Journeys. Vol 2, 4, p. 6-8.

Martin, P. (1997). The Educational Mystery of Outdoor Education. Proceedings of 1st International Conference on Outdoor Education Taurangi , New Zealand .

Martin, P. (1996). New Perspectives of Self, Nature and Others. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. Vol. 1, 3, pp. 3-9.

Martin. P. (1995). Context is Everything. Proceedings of 9th National Outdoor Education Conference. Southport Jan..

Martin, P. (1993). Outdoor Education: practical implications of a Deep Ecology philosophy.' The Outdoor Educator , Vol. 12, 3. pp.10-16.

Martin, P. (1993). Training for Rockclimbing.' Rock . No.18 Jan-Jun p.25-27.

Martin, P. (1992). Future Directions for Outdoor Education-are they worth the costs?' The Outdoor Educator, Vol. 11, 4, pp.19-23.

Martin, P. (1992). The Fine Line Between Adventure and Misadventure (reprinted). Camping Connections. C.A.V., June pp.12-17.

Martin, P. (1992). Safety Guidelines : Rockclimbing and Abseiling (review). Rock . No. 16, Jan-Jun. p.43-44, 1992.

Martin, P. (1991). Instructor Accreditation : A case for.' Rock, No. 15 July - Dec., pp.35-36, 1991.

Martin, P. (1991). The Writing on the Wall.' Rock, No. 14. Jan-Jun, P.29-31, 1991.

Martin, P. (1991). Rockclimbing as Adventure Education.' Proceedings of National Outdoor Education Conference. Jan., Frankston.

Martin, P. (1989). Rockclimbing Accreditation : fair intentions misapplied. The Outdoor Educator, Vol. 8, 3, p.7-9.

Martin, P. 'Rockclimbing: a teacher's handbook.' Bendigo C.A.E.: Bendigo, 76 pages, 1988.

Martin, P. & Brookes, A. (1986) The Cathedral Ranges Case, V.O.E.A. Journal Vol. 5, 3, p.23-25.

Martin, P (1985) Outdoor Education Down Under and Over the Top, V.O.E.A. Journal Vol. 4, No. 3, p.12-15.

Martin, P. (1984) Surviving in the '80s, V.O.E.A. Journal Vol 3, No 4. p.16-19.

Martin, P (1984) A Regional Camping Policy - discussion paper. Produced for the Greater North Eastern Region of the Victorian Education Department.

Martin, P. (1984) Classroom Extension - A Viable Approach to Outdoor Education, V.O.E.A. Journal Vol 3 No. 3, p.20-21.

Martin, P. (1980) Ski Touring - The Bogong High Plains, Mountaineering 80 , M.U.M.C. Publication: Melbourne . p.29-35.