Tell me, and I will forget.
Show me, and I may remember.
Involve me and I will understand.

- Confusius -

Action-reflection cycle

Outward Bound’s programs are based on an action-reflection cycle, as described by Kolb. This cycle can be schematically presented as follows:

Unfamiliar action situations

In order to reach the common objective, Outward Bound_® confronts the participants with concrete and previously unknown action situations in the outdoors: rocks, rivers, caves, obstacles, …

“Action situations” because these -- more than theory sessions -- address the whole person:  just as in the business world, they call upon not only intelligence, but also skills and attitudes.  Age and sport ability pose no problem: in the action situations it is the experience that is most important, not the achievement!

“Unfamiliar situations” because the impossibility of falling back on tried and true solutions emphasizes the personal problem-approach. The unfamiliar situation offers therefore a background against which functioning styles -- which are frequently taken for granted in the work context -- become clearly visible again and therefore a possible target for learning and growth.

Completing the learning cycle

During the course there is ample time for processing the experiences: Outward Bound is not Outward Bound without time for reflection.  In this context, the use of theoretical models can be helpful in some situations. Throughout the program, and particularly on the final day of the course, time is also spent on exploring the link between the insights developed on the course and the work situation, so that the insights can finally be applied in the daily work environment, by means of an ‘action plan’.

How strenuous is an Outward Bound_® course?

Outward Bound courses are always adapted to the specific needs and abilities of a particular group of individuals.  As a result, no one needs to fear that an Outward Bound course will be physically out of reach.