Frame

From WildWiki

A "frame" in experiential education is simply a facilitated conversation that allows participants to gain more meaning from an experience by framing it beforehand. Just as a picture frame provides the context for a painting, a facilitative frame provides the context for an experience. The crucial component of the art of framing is to provide context without providing rigid and constraining definitions. Remember, the key is to create that adventuresome spirit and a proper framing of an experience gives students that sense of clarity and anticipatory awareness without overloading them with too much information or boring them with too much detail.

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Remember, FRAMES CREATE MEANING.

Example frames:

Bad Frame for Peak Ascent:

"Hey everyone, tomorrow we are all going to climb King's Peak. It's the highest peak in Utah so it is going to be really fun. The hike up is really steep and difficult so make sure you get lots of sleep tonight. You will want to bring a daypack with water and a raincoat in case we get caught in a storm. If you don't want to do it or if you are injured, you can stay in camp but don't go far because there will be no one here to supervise you. I remember when I did King's Peak on August Wilderness. Not all of us made it to the top but it was really amazing for those of us that did. We'll wake you up early to get started."

Good Frame for Peak Ascent:

"For the last couple of days, we've been talking about the opportunity to attempt a peak ascent. Well, it looks like tomorrow will be our day. We'd like to take the opportunity to discuss how we would all like to approach this challenge together as a group. The peak we have the chance to try is called King's Peak and it has the distinction of being the highest point in Utah. It is a challenging peak but one that we think we all have the ability to attempt. Let's start by going around and talking about how we are feeling about this opportunity.... It sounds like we are all excited but also a little nervous. I think that is really what the Adventuresome Spirit we have been referring to on this course is all about. Stepping out of our comfort zone provides us with opportunities for growth and learning. But it is also a little scary. What are some things we can do to take care of each other tomorrow both mentally and physically?... I like what we've said, I'd also like to add a few things. Let's make sure everyone is adequately prepared with water and extra layers. We'll also leave very early in the morning to minimize lightning and storm hazards. Finally, how important is it to us to make it to the summit? What should our goals be? ... Those a good goals. A peak to me is less about the outcome than it is the journey. Let's remember to be present during the journey tomorrow- be sure to look around you and take in the sights. Also remember to pay attention to those around you and check in to make sure everyone is still doing OK. In alot of ways, I think a peak ascent experience can be a metaphor for how we approach a lot of challenges in our lives. Pay attention to how things go tomorrow and we'll spend some time talking about it tomorrow night after the climb. Any last comments or concerns? ... It has been a great start to this course- lets get a good nights rest to be ready for another adventure tomorrow."