A case study of the educational significance of an Arctic exploration experience based on the views of participating youths and their parents/guardians one year later

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to clarify, based on an actual case, the educational significance of an adventure journey called the "100 Miles Adventure" conducted by arctic adventurers. A questionnaire survey, primarily using the free response approach, was administered by mail to 40 youths and 35 of their parents/guardians, one year or more after participation. The obtained responses were analyzed using the KJ method.The results showed that there is the degree of freedom of an adventure journey, and "human qualities" were cultivated through human experiences without any goal. In addition, while steadfast "companions" and "the importance of the presence of companions" were identified as one type of educational significance, there were also "disharmony with the society at large" and "a gap with friends compared to ordinary life." Furthermore, it was suggested that the experience of children through "companions" also had an effect on the "growth of parents themselves." As a reason for deciding to participate in an adventure journey, which enables participants to acquire this sort of educational significance, it was found that it is necessary to have "trust in leaders who continue to take up the challenge of great undertakings." Going forward, there will be a need to clarify the image of a leader who can realize this sort of adventure journey with a high degree of freedom.