Semesters

IKF207 Nature Guiding as a Profession

Course code: 
IKF207
Duration: 
1 semester
Credits (ECTS): 
15
Level of study: 
Specialization level (bachelor’s degree level)
Course name in Norwegian Nynorsk: 
Nature Guiding as a Profession
Teaching semester: 
2021 Autumn
Course name in Norwegian Bokmål: 
Nature Guiding as a Profession
Assessment semester: 
2021 Autumn
Language of instruction: 
English
Required prerequisite courses
IKF106 Outdoor Life 1
IKF107 Outdoor Life 2
Required prerequisite knowledge

For international exchange students: Obligatory motivation letter, detailing background and experience. See more information about motivation letter, and required background and experience here

Course content

The course will provide a theoretical foundation for the role of a guide, for guiding activities as a sustainable travel and tourism product, using theories from experience design. The course aims to offer students an insight into guiding as a profession and the skills required to reflect on and execute good guiding practice.

Learning outcome

In compliance with the National Qualifications Framework, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes after successfully completing the course:

Learning outcome knowledge

The student

  • will acquire knowledge about the place of the guide in travel and tourism and about various aspects of the Norwegian travel and tourism.
  • will acquire knowledge of terms such as «nature-based tourism», «value-based guiding», «slow experiences» – also in a natural-philosophical context
  • will have an awareness of what «nature experience» involves in general well-being and as a tourism product
  • will be acquainted with the roles of a guide / outdoor leader as host and educator
Learning outcome skills

The student

  • is able to organize and manage guests, among other things on the basis of group psychology and by practicing transparent guiding as an overarching approach
  • is able to design good experiences for guests whose different preconditions and needs must be met
  • is able to plan and market integrated nature guide products that have a commercial value, based on good experience design and sustainability.
Learning outcome qualification

The student

  • can reflect over and use a nature guide´s and outdoor leader´s overall knowledge and working methods
  • has acquired competence into the art of guiding and outdoor leadership and the skills necessary to work professionally
  • can contribute to a responsible and sustainable practice in the field of nature guiding and outdoor leadership
  • can demonstrate professional behavior and a professional presence
Working and learning activities

The course of study will alternate between lectures, study of literature from the field, digital studies, discussions and seminars, where students will also be expected to participate in academic presentations.   

The teaching presupposes that the students will take responsibility for their own learning and development.

Assessment requirements

Attendance requirements

Approved attendance at compulsory teaching. The semester plan specifies the scope of the compulsory parts of the programme of study.  

Coursework requirements

  • Approved assignment related to the practice of nature guiding as a profession, approx 1000 words.
Evaluation system

Exam assessment will be implemented in accordance with Forskrift om opptak, studium og eksamen ved Høgskulen i Volda, § 5-11. (Regulations concerning admission, courses of study and examinations at Volda University College, paragraph 5-11)

Maximum number of students: 
25
Person in charge: 
Einar Løken
Used in other programs
  • Outdoor Life Education and Nature Guiding - bachelor
VurderingsformGrupperingVarighetKarakterskalaAndelKommentarHjelpemidlerOmfang
Home exam
Individual
4 Days
A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade
100
Digital eksamen.
Approval signature: 
Unni Hagen