Educational Travel and Adolescent Development

Author

Ann Saitow, The University of Montana

Year of Award

2009

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Name

Individualized Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program

Department or School/College

Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Committee Co-chair

David R. Erickson, David Aronofsky

Commitee Members

Frances L. O'Reilly, Shawn F. Clouse, Stephen Greymorning, Ryan Tolleson-Knee

Keywords

adolescent development, biological adaptation, educational travel, experiential learning, middle school curriculum, nontraditional schooling

Abstract

Educational travel forms the basis for novel learning experiences that enhance adolescent development by enabling students to make choices about their own survival in an unfamiliar setting. This biological adaptation is driven by stimulation of the midbrain which produces high levels of dopamine, the chemical associated with learning. The elements of educational travel that promote sustained adolescent learning are: clear communication, commitment and action, communal trust and respect, maturity developed through assigned responsibilities and exposure to varied life circumstances, flexibility, and transition back to traditional school environments.

Recommended Citation

Saitow, Ann, "Educational Travel and Adolescent Development" (2009). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 348.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/348