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The Power of Guided Learning: Why Choose an L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Course Over Going Solo?

April 10, 2024

BY RYAN J., SR. MANAGER, OUTDOOR DISCOVERY PROGRAMS

In today's world, where information is readily available at our fingertips, learning a new skill has never been easier. With countless tutorials, online articles, and self-help books, one might wonder, "Why choose a guided course when I can do it on my own?" While self-directed learning has its merits, there are compelling reasons why opting for a guided course can lead to greater success and satisfaction. We’ve been teaching outdoors skills and getting people outside for over 40 years and have definitely learned a few things along the way!

Paddleboarding instructor explaining to a class, where to position feet when standing on a paddleboard.

A Structured Learning Approach

Our guided courses offer a structured progression tailored to the subject matter at hand. Rather than navigating through a sea of resources and potentially getting lost in the process, a guided course provides a clear roadmap from start to finish. Each lesson builds upon the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the material. This structured approach allows you to grow your skills more wholistically and maximizes efficiency. 

Expert Guidance and Feedback

One of the most valuable aspects of guided courses is the opportunity to learn from experts in the field. Everyone learns differently and our instructors are able to provide multiple ways to frame the same concept. Our seasoned staff can provide invaluable insights and perspectives that might be missed through self-study. Our trained experts can quickly assess mistakes and inefficiencies that you might not be able to see yourself and offer personalized feedback, addressing individual strengths and weaknesses to facilitate continuous improvement. 

Safety as a Skill

We consider safety a skill to be taught. Our guides share their many years of experience to help you learn to mitigate risk and protect yourself from injury. Part of our instructors’ focus is not just to teach you how to do an activity, but to proactively prevent incidents and injuries. The outdoors is a dynamic environment and guided instruction can help you to better understand, assess, and react to the many variables that negatively impact your time outside.

Faster Progress and Higher Success Rate

Ultimately, the structured nature of guided courses coupled with expert guidance and support leads to faster progress and higher success rates. Studies have shown that learners enrolled in guided courses tend to achieve better outcomes compared to those pursuing self-directed learning. By leveraging the collective wisdom and resources available within a guided course, learners can overcome obstacles more efficiently and reach their goals with greater confidence and competence.

Instructor explaining how to find the direction of travel using a map and compass, to class participants.

While self-directed learning certainly has its merits, choosing a guided course offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance the learning experience. From a structured learning progression to expert guidance and feedback, guided courses provide a comprehensive framework for accelerated success. So, the next time you're considering learning a new outdoor skill or are looking to take your activity to the next level, think about the benefits of opting for a guided course—it might just be the catalyst you need to achieve your goals.

Ready to get started? Discover the perfect guided Outdoor Discovery course in your area! Book Now

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