ABSTRACT

Reflection forms a central role in enhancing learning in Positive Pedagogy with frequent reference made to the work of Schön (1987) in this book. This is something I relate to strongly because of how I emphasize reflection when I am teaching in outdoor education. I also note how Schön sees the teacher’s roles in constructing learning experiences as involving a focus on the level of risk involved, the freedom provided for learning, and the kinds of coaching/teaching athletes and students will need for learning. This chapter draws on my own experiences of using an approach that aligns very well with Positive Pedagogy to help kayakers learn to roll a kayak. In it I focus on (1) the role of the teacher/coach in managing risk (mainly emotional), (2) providing enough freedom for the athletes/students to learn at their own pace and have opportunities for exploration and discovery, and (3) the role of reflection.