The Kurt Hahn Training Series

The Kurt Hahn Training Series was held in 2001 and January 2002. The goal was to help staff reconnect to the philosophy of Kurt Hahn and develop new curriculum ideas based on Hahn's original principles

Dr. Anthony Richards
Dr Richards has recently retired from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, where he taught and researched experiential learning. Within the school of Health and Human performance he specialized in adventure based experiential learning for youth at risk and also developed a service learning initiative.

He completed his doctorate at the University of Colorado and his thesis was entitled Kurt Hahn: the Midwife of Educational Ideas.. He has continued to follow the progress of Kurt Hahn's innovative educational endeavors. Recently he toured the United World Colleges and consulted on their service learning programs and how they may mesh with the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Tony came to Canada from England in 1970 where he had worked in a number of outdoor pursuit centers. In North America he has contributed to a variety of adventure base experiential learning programs including staff training for North Carolina and Indonesia Outward Bound. As a consultant he continues to contribute to corporate clients as well as youth serving organizations.

Dr Anthony Richards
A.R and Associates "REINVENTING THE WE"LL"
RR#1, Boutiliers Point
Nova Scotia, Canada
B0J 1G0 Ph(902) 826 2410, Fax (902) 826 2797

Kurt Hahn Workshop Outline:  By Tony Richards

Part I:

1. Discussion on the current philosophy and nature of the Outward Bound program with special reference to what is included in the standard/classic course and why.
2. Who is the competition?
3. What separates us from the competition?
4. Presentation on the genesis and early history of Outward Bound and the unique philosophy and rationale that Kurt Hahn used to create the program.

                                    - early days

                                    - move to other countries

                                    - move across the Atlantic

                                    - influence of other educators

                                    - other educational innovations

5. Make a case for why we should consider returning to the roots and the Kurt Hahn philosophy.
6. Special reference to the six declines and their relevance in the 21st Century
7. Presentation on the key principles and how they have been interpreted over time.
8. Review how Outward Bound is designed and delivered today.

Part II:

1. Exercise on how to embrace Hahn’s six declines into our current program offerings.

Part III:

1. Exercise on how to create new program ideas using Hahn’s basic principles.

Part IV:

1. Create a template for use in an Instructors manual
2. Create and prepare program ideas using the results of the exercises in Parts II and III.
3. Type final version on to the templates.
4. Review and edit.
5. Create format for the manual
6. Print and reproduce copies for all authors
7. Celebration -- “BOOK LAUNCH”