Experiential Learning Research Centre

The Experiential Learning Research Centre (ELRC) was established to support and contribute to the emerging outdoor and adventure learning (OAL) education industry. We are heavily involved in OAL pedagogy research and development (R&D), as well as professional training and consultancy work.

Our core competencies

• Experiential, outdoor and adventure education pedagogy
• Environmental education and interpretation
• Expedition planning, risk assessment and crisis management
• Qualitative research and narrative inquiry
• Life skills development
• Team-based professional development courses

Our resources

We manage two OAL facilities:

• Republic Polytechnic Adventure Learning Centre which houses a high ropes course, indoor and outdoor rock climbing walls, and an abseil wall among many other facilities
• Republic Polytechnic Experiential Learning Centre @ Pulau Ubin that provides kayaking and improvised rafting programmes at Pulau Ubin

Our work

Our industry collaborations include commissioned projects from the National Youth Council and Outward Bound Singapore.

Read about some of our other R&D work below:

Development of the Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education (OLAE) Professional Practice Standards Handbook

Partner: Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education Association (OLAE)

This project aims to help OLAE Association publish a comprehensive professional practice standards handbook for local outdoor learning and adventure education providers.

An impact study of strength-based adventure therapy programme for at-risk youths in Singapore

Partner: Boys Town Singapore

This project aims to develop a strengths-based adventure therapy (AT) programme for local at-risk youths and to train youth workers in AT design and delivery.

Young children and outdoor education: An empirical case study of the Open Green Minds programme

Partner: Huamin Primary School

This empirical study investigates children's responses to the Open Green Minds programme in order to improve outdoor learning pedagogy for children.

Interested in working with us?

For enquiries or collaboration opportunities, please email us at help-otd@rp.edu.sg