Item: FINLAV - Finnish Avalanche Education - From scratch to curriculum
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Title: FINLAV - Finnish Avalanche Education - From scratch to curriculum
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria
Authors:
- Eeva Mäkelä [ HUMAK University of Applied Sciences, Nurmijärvi Campus, Kiljava, Finland ]
- Jussi Muittari [ HUMAK University of Applied Sciences, Nurmijärvi Campus, Kiljava, Finland ]
- Kai Lehtonen [ HUMAK University of Applied Sciences, Nurmijärvi Campus, Kiljava, Finland ]
Date: 2018-10-07
Abstract: Humak University of Applied Sciences received funding from the European Social Fund for an avalanche education development project. This three-year project (2015-2017) developed avalanche education and improved avalanche awareness in Finland.Within the project, the curriculum and educational structure of FINLAV - Finnish Avalanche Education were created, including educational materials and course progression. FINLAV - Finnish Avalanche Education follows good international practices for avalanche education. The goal of the project was to improve the avalanche awareness of two main target groups. One of the target groups was professionals and organizations for whom avalanche awareness is part of their work. Examples of organizations and authorities that represent this target group are Lapland Rescue Department, Police, Parks and Wildlife Finland, Finnish Meteorological Institute, volunteer rescue organizations and guiding services. The other target group was winter recreationists in the fells and mountains. Within this target group, special focus was given on free skiers/riders and other backcountry recreationists whose numbers are growing rapidly. The project was able to appeal to the target groups by offering multiple pilot courses during two winter seasons. The target groups’ avalanche awareness increased through these educational events. At the same time, the project was able to test the course curriculum and educational materials and gain feedback for further development work. The project also organized lectures and participated in various free skiing events to promote avalanche awareness. Another important communication channel for disseminating information and raising avalanche awareness were articles and news published in social media. FINLAV - Finnish Avalanche Education is the most important product of this project. FINLAV - Finnish Avalanche Education consists of a curriculum and course flow chart for both professionals and recreationists, including teaching materials in Finnish. Two examples of the teaching materials are a Check List Card, which is a hand out material for course participants, and a website (www.lumivyory.fi), which is an open learning material package for self-study. The project also organized the first Instructor Training Course with the outcome of 20 new skilled avalanche instructors. Finally, the project ensured that FINLAV - Finnish Avalanche Education will have continuity after the closure of the project. The Finnish Ski Area Association has taken over the administrative responsibility for the curriculum and course system. A steering committee has been appointed to guide the future work. Humak University of Applied Sciences continues as a member in the steering committee. The project has established strong cooperation with SVELAV - Swedish Avalanche Education and this cooperation will continue.
Object ID: ISSW2018_P16.11.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Avalanche education, avalanche awareness, Finland
Page Number(s): 1441-1444
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