COE COE Curriculum Design & Program Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which assessment method best measures skill acquisition during an outdoor education program?
- Written multiple-choice test only
- Performance-based observation checklist (Correct answer)
- Peer popularity vote
- End-of-program essay
Correct answer: Performance-based observation checklist
Performance-based observation directly measures whether participants can apply skills in context, which is the core goal of outdoor education.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'spike day' or 'solo' component in a wilderness education curriculum?
- To evaluate physical fitness exclusively
- To provide participants independent reflection time that deepens self-awareness (Correct answer)
- To replace group activities when weather is poor
- To reduce instructor supervision workload
Correct answer: To provide participants independent reflection time that deepens self-awareness
Solo or spike periods are deliberate curriculum tools that foster introspection, self-reliance, and personal growth.
Question 3: When planning COE program goals, which framework helps ensure goals are actionable and measurable?
- SWOT analysis
- SMART goal framework (Correct answer)
- Gantt chart planning
- PDCA cycle
Correct answer: SMART goal framework
SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) make program objectives clear and evaluable.
Question 4: A COE educator notices that afternoon energy slumps reduce participant engagement. What curricular adjustment addresses this?
- Cancel afternoon sessions
- Schedule high-energy physical activities in the morning and reflective activities in the afternoon (Correct answer)
- Assign extra reading during afternoon slumps
- Increase caloric content of lunch only
Correct answer: Schedule high-energy physical activities in the morning and reflective activities in the afternoon
Aligning activity intensity with participants' natural energy rhythms improves engagement and learning outcomes.
Question 5: What does 'transfer of learning' mean in the context of outdoor education curriculum design?
- Moving participants to a different program site
- Applying skills and insights gained outdoors to everyday life contexts (Correct answer)
- Transferring administrative files between instructors
- Moving participants between skill groups
Correct answer: Applying skills and insights gained outdoors to everyday life contexts
Transfer of learning is when participants generalize outdoor experiences—like problem-solving or resilience—to their lives beyond the program.
Question 6: Which stakeholder input is MOST critical during the needs assessment phase of COE program planning?
- Equipment vendor recommendations
- Participant and referring organization input on goals and limitations (Correct answer)
- Regional tourism board statistics
- Weather forecasting services
Correct answer: Participant and referring organization input on goals and limitations
Understanding participant needs, organizational goals, and any limitations ensures the program is designed to serve those it intends to serve.
COE COE Curriculum Design & Program Planning 2
Which assessment method best measures skill acquisition during an outdoor education program?