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Wilderness Education Association Wilderness Education Association Wilderness Education Association

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WEA

Wilderness Education Association
National Office
PO Box 4554
Burlington, VT 05406
Phone: 802.448.1191

 

Student Presentations


The 2011 International Conference on Outdoor Leadership is currently seeking student presentation proposals!

For the students and by the students, Student Presentations at the International Conference on Outdoor Leadership will function as a valuable platform for upcoming outdoor professionals to gain real conference presentation experience.  This inaugural event is intended to provide an opportunity for undergraduate and first time graduate students to obtain critical experience presenting in a formal setting and to present on topics that matter to their peers.  
 
Student Presentations will mimic the format, expectations and outcomes of professional presentations and will be an excellent learning experience for both the presenters, mentors and audience members.  Being a student presenter is a fantastic stepping stone for students who wish to pursue a career in the outdoor leadership field and to engage as professional presenters in the future!
 
 
Student Presentation Proposal Details:
  • Each Student Presenter will be given a 45 minute time frame to present on the topic of their choice.
  • Students must submit a presentation proposal which will be used to determine which students will be selected to present at the 2011 conference.
  • Proposals are due November 3, 2010.
  • Presenters must register by the early registration deadline (December 17, 2010) or their spot will be given to another student.
  • Presenters are expected to submit content to the Conference Proceedings after the conference by the designated deadline.
  • Student Presenters must choose a professional mentor who will serve as an advisor for the student's presentation. 

Professional Mentor Details:

  • A student may chose anyone within the outdoor field to be their professional mentor.
  • If the student does not know anyone who fits the criteria of a professional mentor, they can contact the WEA to be set up with further options of professional mentors that would be willing to help.
  • A mentor must be chosen prior to submitting a presentation submission form
  • It will be the mentor's responsibility to be the main source of support for their student presenter.
  • Mentors are responsible for
    • Ensuring the student presentation is of conference quality
    • Ensuring the student presenter is fully prepared (and practiced) prior to the event
    • Ensuring content provided in slide shows and conference proceedings is accurate and cited properly prior to use/submission.

  • Mentors are not required to be in attendance at the conference or at the presentation

Topic Ideas:

What is important to you and your student peers?  Have you had an experience or implemented an idea that was successful?  Do you think others could benefit from your experience?  This is your opportunity to create a presentation that will engage your peers.  You are the future of this profession, what matters to you?  Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing....

  • Field Experience vs Higher Education - What to do after your undergraduate degree
  • Certification options and relevance in the outdoor industry
  • Issues in Peer Leadership (challenges/issues/strategies for leading and instructing your peers)
  • Co-Instructing 
  • Summer Employment/Internship Opportunities - The good, the bad and the ugly
  • Service Learning
  • [Insert Your Idea Here]