The Contribution Transport Time Makes to Outdoor Programs: A Third Place?

Background: During transport to and from outdoor education field trips, students experience a period of togetherness minimal imposed structure. Transport time also appears align with Oldenburg’s third places, where people spend together without particular agenda. Purpose: To examine educators’ perspectives on the contribution that makes OE programs through an analysis featuring characteristics places. Methodology/Approach: The 16 educators (four each New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Scotland) were gathered using semi-structured interview protocol. Data analyzed deductive process based place characteristics; four unforeseen themes emerged. Findings/Conclusions: Findings highlighted centrality conversation between educators; low profile time; sense excitement fun. Students controlled intensity their “presence” use devices (where allowed) by selecting sitting position in vehicle. Implications: findings show allowed have broad variety conversations could be variously silly fun, deep introspective. Educators are encouraged more carefully consider programs.