Tim Stotts research paper entitled, ‘Changes in Aspects of Students’ Self-reported Personal, Social and Technical Skills During a Six-week Wilderness Expedition in Arctic Greenland’ was recently published in the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. The expedition in question was run by BSES, and took place South-West Greenland last year.

 

This investigation focuses on students’ self-reported changes in personal, social and technical skills that took place during a six-week long expedition to East Greenland. A 105-item pre–and post–expedition questionnaire was completed by 60 young expeditioners aged 16_ to 20. Before the expedition participants generally felt that they had high levels of skills and were well prepared for the expedition. Of the 49 items in the 105-item questionnaire which related to participants’ personal, social and technical skills, 22 showed statistically significant differences from those expected by chance when tested using the chi-square test. In terms of their personal skills, participants self-reported statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) in their ability to avoid depression, avoid loneliness, set priorities, achieve goals, solve problems efficiently, cope with constant cold, enjoy isolation, manage time efficiently, maintain physical fitness, be enthusiastic, demonstrate confidence and set goals. In terms of social skills participants self-reported statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) in their ability to control their emotions, motivate others, organise others, live in crowded circumstances, lead through consultation with others and maintain personal hygiene. In terms of technical skills participants self-reported statistically significant changes (p = 0.05 or smaller) in their ability to prepare dehydrated food, tie on and use ropes in glacier travel, use crampons and take charge of rescuing a member of their party from a crevasse. These items indicate that participants learned about survival and general skills associated with expeditions as a result of experiencing the expedition.