Chiara Borelli
University of Bologna
Chiara Borelli completed a Ph.D. in Education Sciences at the University of Bologna, during which she has been investigating issues related to nature-based experiential education, with several publications on the topic. She actively takes part in the CEFEO Research Center on nature-based experiential outdoor education of the Department of Education (University of Bologna).
She has a degree in Pre-Primary and Primary Education, a Master’s degree in Pedagogy, and specialization courses in Outdoor Education and in Psychomotricity. She worked as a teacher, as a special education teacher, and as a psychometrician. She is currently continuing her research on nature-based education as a research fellow for the University of Bologna and teaches various courses in the field of Education to international students at an American university in Italy.
The combination of walking interview and image-elicited interview to monitor an Adventure Education program with at-risk adolescents
The aim of this presentation is to expose some results of a case study, specifically regarding the combined use of two innovative types of interview to monitor the effectiveness of an Adventure Education program with at-risk adolescents in Italy. This program (called “Long Educational Walks”) is aimed at adolescents who are facing a period of difficulty and/or issues with justice and it pairs each teenager with an adult guide for a one-to-one relationship during one to three months of walking.
The study focused on two such programs along Italian pilgrim routes, employing innovative interview methods: the walking interview (Kinney, 2017; Lynch, 2020), conducted amidst the act of walking in the natural environment, and the image-elicited interview (inspired – though modified – from the photo-elicited interview: Loeffler, 2005) for post-walk conversations using evocative and metaphorical images to stimulate conversation and to arouse emotions and memories of the experience. The presentation delves into the strengths and weaknesses of these methods.
It is deemed useful to share the results of the use of these unusual types of interviews, as these can be fruitfully used not only by the researchers, but also by the practitioners themselves as ways of monitoring and evaluating the experience.
Just like an “Hymn to life”: preliminary results from the evaluation questionnaire of an Adventure Therapy program for patients with pathological addictions
This contribution presents initial findings from an Adventure Therapy program with adult patients attending the addiction assistance services in Ancona (Italy).
Launched in 2023 with public funding, the program aims at improving socialization, physical wellbeing, empowerment, coping strategies, and promoting healthy recreation. Six participants with double diagnosis and on psychiatric medications were involved to participate voluntarily and for free to 32 activities (horse riding, sailing, yoga, hiking) from March to December 2023, along with 2 street workers/educators and activity-specific instructors.
Data were collected both through qualitative documentation (interviews, photos, videos) and through a specifically designed questionnaire ensuring accessibility and inclusion through facilitated and engaging graphics and content. The items cover emotional states, perceived abilities, group dynamics and relationships with instructors.
Preliminary results from 8 pre- and post-activity questionnaires provide valuable insights for adventure educators and therapists, highlighting the potential impact of AT on individuals undergoing addiction treatment in public services.