A Legacy of Outdoor Learning: 60 years of Turistika Activities and Outdoor Games and Sports at Charles University, Czech Republic, 1958-2018
Abstract
The first college of physical education (PE) and sport, called the Institute of Physical Education and Sport (now the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport of Charles University - UK FTVS), provided the first tertiary outdoor educational programmes in Prague in the 1960s. Members of the Outdoor Sports department also helped to found Vacation School Lipnice in 1977 (from 1992 to 2017, part of Outward Bound Czech Republic).
Jan Neuman led the development of these outdoor education programmes, and books for students and teachers were subsequently developed. PhD theses (e.g., Turčová, 2005) and further studies also aimed to inform pedagogy and the development of outdoor education theory and practice.
At UK FTVS outdoor sports and activities are part of compulsory courses for students studying PE and sport, sport management and adapted PE for people with special needs. The foundation course 'Turistika and Outdoor Sports' is compulsory for all students studying PE and sport.
It introduces students to outdoor sports, such as orienteering, cycling, climbing and mountaineering, outdoor games, outdoor exercises, ropes courses, parkour and environmental activities. The course serves as a model for developing school outdoor education programmes.
Students not only are introduced to different outdoor pursuits and activities but also learn how to lead outdoor games or a cycling trip with children. Since 2006 PE and sport students can also choose a specialised study programme, 'Outdoor Activities'.
Staff of the Outdoor Sports department have recently prepared new degrees in outdoor education (a joint bachelor's degree in 'Physical Education and Sport - Outdoor Education' and a master's degree in 'Teaching Physical Education and Outdoor Education in Primary and Secondary Schools').