Student autonomy in outdoor environmental education programs should be determined by the purpose and goals of the program
Outdoor environmental education programs (OEEPs) can help students connect with nature and learn pro-environmental behaviors as well as develop a sense of autonomy through empowerment in place-based experiences. Empowerment could mean that the students have more control in prescribed activities, or that they are included in the planning process of the OEEP. This concept is often referred to as an emancipatory approach.