RESEARCH

“The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.”

- John Dewey-

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Values and experiential learning
Teacher and Student perspectives (phenomenology)
Snowsports Education and Transferable skills
Youth development through sail training
Cross cultural education through experiential learning
Post expedition adjustment and reverse culture shock
Kurt Hahn, John Dewey
Aristotle (especially Phronesis)
Ethical dilemmas in outdoor and experiential education
Personal development and experiential learning

RECENT RESEARCH

My research centers around values and experiential learning primarily concerning the learning process and utilizing a broad conception of health and well-being. Much of my work draws on philosophy and social trends. I am particularly interested in teacher and student perspectives and creating communities of practice that emphasise a spirit of enquiry.

Connecting Cultures (Oman): Is a UNESCO, Al Jaber and Sultan Qaboos Diwan Royal Court funded project. I am working on research on cross cultural education through journeys in the Sharqiya sands with young people. In 2014 we signed a Memorandum of Understanding and continue to collaborate on curriculum development and research.
Professional Ski Instructors of America - American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). I am leading collaborations to review curricula, assign credit and develop a research programme.
Personal Development on youth expeditions

PAST PROJECT GRANTS

2018 - 2022 Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). Principal Investigator.
2014 Sustainable structures on quality assurance, international relations and student support services at the newly founded Public University Haxhi Zeka.
2014 - 15 Scottish Government, SCQF Credit rating.
2013 - 18 BASI. SCQF Credit Rating. Principal Investigator.
2012 - 13 A Longitudinal Study Investigating Student Perspectives on Generic Research Methods Courses PTAS. Co PrincipaI Investigator.
2012 - 15 British Schools Exploring Society. Principal Investigator.
2009 - 10 Consultant to Sail Training International. Self Assessment Toolkit.
2008 360 degrees on youth expeditions: Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Principal Investigator.
2007 Scottish Natural Heritage & Scottish National Parks. Principal Investigator.
2005 - 7 Sail Training International. Co Principal Investigator.
2003 Development Trust Research Fund. Principal Investigator.
2001 - 2 Scottish Natural Heritage. Principal Investigator.