Outbound Training

What is Outbound Training?

Outbound Training builds upon the concept of experiential learning i.e. adults learn most effectively through experiencing the concepts. Outbound training is a powerful combination of thought-provoking activities that are conducted in a natural setting. The end result is enhanced learning and retention.

The success of outbound training can be attributed to the fact that it uses adult learning principles. Outbound training companies focus on Andragogy (adult learning) which emphasizes the value of the process of learning. It uses approaches to learning that are interactive, problem-based and collaborative rather than moralistic. It also accentuates more equivalence between the trainer and the participants. This science originated in Europe in 1950s and Malcolm Knowles, an American practitioner of adult education, promoted it in the 1970s. Knowles defined andragogy as “the art and science of helping adults learn”. (Zmeyov 1998; Fidishun 2000).

Advantages of Activity Based Learning

What do you mean by ‘adult learning principles‘?

Knowles identified the six principles of adult learning:

Adults are self-directed and motivated
Adults bring life experiences and knowledge to learning experiences
Adults are purpose oriented
Adults look for relevance
Adults are logical and practical
Adults like to be respected

In the Outbound Training Programs conducted by MMMTS, we use all the 6 principles listed above. These invaluable concepts of action and experiential learning – one’s experiences serving as a learning tool – aim at consistently helping trainees gain immediate and powerful insights into their own and their team’s work styles and behavior.

The Genesis of Outbound Training

Outbound Training was developed by Dr. Kurt Hahn and was first tested in the turbulent waters of the North Sea during World War II, to provide young sailors with the experiences and skills necessary to survive at sea. Dr. Kurt Hahn, Founder of Outward Bound methodology, a philosopher outdoorsman believed that the outdoors provides a robust learning ground for city professionals. In Dr. Hahn’s opinion there are 3 important benefits of corporate team building events – first, compassion which helps in building interpersonal relationships, trust and bonding; the second, innovative and creative thinking; and the third, collective intelligence.

“The experience of helping a fellow man in danger, or even of teaching in a realistic manner to be ready to give this help, tends to change the balance of power in a youth’s inner life with the result that compassion can become the master motive.” – Dr. Kurt Hahn

The crux of OBT lies in taking a group of people to an unfamiliar environment in which they are given a set of challenges that they will have to solve with limited resources. The most important resource that they have is their group members in these outbound training programs. The core principle outdoor adventure training is that when a team is thrown together in unfamiliar settings, where they are interdependent on each other for survival, growth in the development of the team happens at a much faster pace.

Assumptions of Outbound learning

The single most important factor for success is his/her idea of self
People usually underestimate their resources and capabilities
A small diverse group is capable of efficaciously coping with significant physical and mental challenges
Stress, competition and shared purpose serve as important catalysts in the discovery process
Learning is more effective when problems are presented and the group figures out the solutions
Significant, long-lasting learning can be achieved through an intensive, short-term experience

In our outbound training programs, participants go through various outdoor activities in which they are required to face challenging situations as individuals and teams. This will help them see the importance of communication, leadership, teamwork, planning and delegation. Many consider this program as one of the best platforms for personality development, confidence building and team building.

One of the most unique aspects of outbound training is that trainees are immediately able to see the consequences of wrong actions and witness the tangible difference that can be made by a change in thinking and behavior. Our trained facilitators enthusiastically help them to extrapolate the learning from these outdoor activities to their workplace.

Benefits of Experiential Learning

A list of topics in which the ‘Outbound‘ methodology works well is given below:

Leadership Training
Team Building Training
Problem Solving Training