Teaching Decision Making in Challenging Environments

Letting Go of the Reins: The Importance Of Student Leadership

Teachers love control. It's hardwired into us from our first terrifying practicum lesson where we just hoped no chairs were thrown. The idea of letting go of the reins on a school excursion strikes fear into many hearts.

But if you want to produce independent, thinking adults, you must relinquish control. Too often, I see schools claim to offer "student leadership," but in reality, it's just students being led around on a leash.

Students see right through the "fake ownership". To teach decision making, the decisions must be real.

Case Study: The Rain-Soaked Canoe Trip

On a canoe expedition in the Shoalhaven Gorge, we were hit by torrential rain. We found a rock shelter, but it was only big enough for six of our seven boats.

This was a genuine logistical problem. I could have solved it for them. Instead, I asked, "What are your options?".

The Process of Failure and Success

Attempt 1: They tried to cycle boats in and out every 5 minutes. It failed logistically within 10 minutes.

The Facilitation: I didn't give the answer. I prompted them to check the map, the time to camp, and the risk of hypothermia.

The Discussion: I listened as they debated. Interestingly, the needs of the group emerged as more important than the individual.

The Outcome

They decided to push on into the storm to reach camp, get dry, and eat. It was a tough call. We got absolutely smashed by rain. But because they made the decision, the morale was completely different.



When we arrived, soaked and exhausted, they didn't wait for instructions. They instantly worked as a team to collect wood, start a fire in the rain, and set up tents.

They took ownership because they had been trusted with the responsibility. This is the power of experiential education. Stop solving their problems. Let them decide, let them struggle, and watch them grow.