VITA
Scott D. Wurdinger
PERSONAL DATA
Name: Scott D. Wurdinger
Present Position: Professor
College of Education
Department of Educational Leadership
Minnesota State University
Address: 115 Armstrong Hall, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-2919
Email: scott.wurdinger@mnsu.edu
EDUCATION
| University Attended | Degree Granted | Award Date |
| Luther College | B.A. Biology | 1984 |
| Minnesota State University | M.S. Experiential Education | 1986 |
| University of Wisconsin, Madison | M.A. Educational Policy Studies | 1988 |
| Union Institute and University | Ph.D. Experiential Education | 1992 |
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
| Employer | Position Held | Dates |
| Minnesota State University
Department of Educational Leadership
|
Professor
Coordinator, Educational Leadership Doctoral Program Coordinator, Experiential Education Graduate Program Department Chair Associate Professor
|
2003-Present
2009-2017
2002-2008 2003-2006 2001-2003 |
| Ferris State University
Department of Leisure Studies and Wellness |
Department Coordinator
Associate Professor Assistant Professor Challenge Course Coordinator |
2000-2001
1998-2001 1996-1998 1998-2001 |
| University of New Hampshire
Department of Kinesiology |
Assistant Professor
Outdoor Education |
1992-1996 |
| Edgewood College
Department of Education |
Instructor | 1989-1992 |
| Rogers Memorial Hospital | Recreation Therapist | 1986-1989 |
| Upward Bound | Teacher, High School Students | 1985-1986 |
| Luther College | Teaching Associate, Physical Education Department | 1983-1984 |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Biological Technician | 1980-1981 |
PUBLICATIONS
Reviewed Articles and Abstracts:
Wurdinger, S. (2018). How project-based learningis helping change the status quo.The Charter Schools Resource Journal, 12(2), 38-55.
Wurdinger, S. & Allison, P. (2017). Faculty perceptions and use of experiential learning in higher education. Journal of e-Learning and Knowledge Society. 13(1), 27-38.
Meyer, K. & Wurdinger, S. (2016). Students’ perceptions of life skill development in project based learning schools. Journal of Educational Issues. 2(1), 94-114.
Wurdinger, S. & Qureshi, M. (2015). Enhancing college students’ life skills through project based learning. Innovative Higher Education. 40 (3), 279-286
Wurdinger, S. (2014). Teaching creativity. Minnesota School Boards Association Journal. 67 (1), 22-24.
Wurdinger, S. & Enloe, W. (2011). Cultivating life skills at a project based charter school. Improving Schools. 14 (1), 84-96
Wurdinger, S. & Rudolph, J. (2009). A different type of success: teaching important life skills through project based learning. Improving Schools. 12 (2), 117-132
Wurdinger, S. & Rudolph, J. (2009) Teaching that promotes student learning: five experiential approaches. Journal of Teaching and Learning. 6 (1), 1-13
Hugg, R. & Wurdinger, S. (2007) A practical and progressive pedagogy for project based service learning. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. 19 (2). 191-204.
Wurdinger, S., Haar, J., Hugg, R., & Bezon, J. (2007). A qualitative study using project based learning in a mainstream middle school. Improving Schools. 10 (2), 150-161.
Allison, P.A. & Wurdinger, S.D. (2005). Understanding the power, promise and peril of the experiential learning process. Teacher Education and Practice. 18 (4), 386-399.
Wurdinger, S.D. and Paxton, T. (2003). Using multiple levels of experience to promote autonomy in adventure education students. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. 3 (1), 41-48.
Potter, T. and Wurdinger, S.D. (1998) Controversial issues in adventure education. In the Proceedings of the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors. Bradford Woods, IN: Coalition for Education in the Outdoors.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1996). The theory and pedagogy of experiential education: A critical look at teaching practices. Journal of Experiential Education. 19(2), 60-61.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1996). Using critical analysis to improve teaching effectiveness. In the AEE Proceedings Manual. Boulder: AEE.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1995). A critical interpretation of commonly held assumptions in adventure education. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Leadership. 12 (1), 6-10.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1995). Building a new model in experiential learning theory. In the AEE Proceedings Manual. Boulder: AEE.
Wurdinger, S.D., Smith, T., Lynch, J., Neve, G., Havens, M., and Cryer, J. (1994). Approaches to ethical decision-making. In J. Villanueva (Ed) AEE Proceedings Manual. Boulder: AEE.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1994). Experiential Education, traditional education, and adventure education: How they are alike and how they differ. In J.Villanueva (Ed) AEE Proceedings Manual. Boulder: AEE.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1994). Examining the learning process used in adventure education. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Leadership. 11(3), 25-27.
Gass, M. and Wurdinger, S.D. (1993). Ethical decisions in experience based training and development programs. Journal of Experiential Education. 16(2), 41-47.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1993). Misconceptions about experiential learning. In S. Wurdinger and M. Gass (Eds.) AEE Proceedings Manual. Boulder: AEE.
Wurdinger, S.D. and Gass, M. (Eds.). (1993). Association for experiential education proceedings manual. Boulder: AEE.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1990) Are we off balance? Journal of Experiential Education. 13(1), 44-46
Wurdinger, S.D. (1990). Examining the philosophy of experiential education. In the AEE Proceedings Manual. Boulder: AEE.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1987). The ethics of teaching virtue. Journal of Experiential Education. Spring 31-33.
Books and Book chapters:
Wurdinger, S.D. (2016) The power of project based learning: Helping students develop important life skills.
Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield.
Wurdinger, S. & Enloe, W. (2016). The Damaging Effects of No Child Left Behind on the Learning Process and Schools that Have Risen Above it All. In W. Enloe, (Ed.) Deeper learning, deeper leading: Inside Avalon school. St. Paul, MN: St. Paul Tertium Quid Press.
Wurdinger, S. & Enloe, W. (2016). Cultivating life skills at a project based charter school. In W. Enloe, (Ed.) Deeper learning, deeper leading: Inside Avalon school. St. Paul, MN: Tertium Quid Press.
Wurdinger, S.D. (2012) Time for action: Stop teaching to the test and start teaching skills.
Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield.
Wurdinger, S. D. and Carlson, J. A. (2010) Teaching for experiential learning: five approaches that work. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield.
Wurdinger, S. & Rapparlie, L. (2007). Adventure Sports: Rock Climbing. Mankato, MN: Creative Education.
Wurdinger, S. & Rapparlie, L. (2007). Adventure Sports: Ice climbing. Mankato, MN: Creative Education.
Wurdinger, S. & Rapparlie, L. (2007). Adventure Sports: Kayaking. Mankato, MN: Creative Education.
Wurdinger, S. & Rapparlie, L. (2007). Adventure Sports: Mountain Biking. Mankato, MN: Creative Education.
Wurdinger, S.D. (2005). Using experiential learning in the classroom: practical ideas for all educators. Lanham, MD: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
Wurdinger, S. D. (2004). Experiential learning: why project based learning works. In D. Thomas, W. Enloe, and R. Newell (Eds.). The coolest school in America: how small learning communities are changing everything. Lanham, MD: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
Wurdinger, S.D. and Steffen, J. (2003) Developing challenge course programs for schools. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing.
Wurdinger, S.D. and Potter, T.G. (1999). Controversial issues in adventure education. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1999) Is experiential learning practical in higher education? In S. Wurdinger and T. Potter (Eds.) Controversial issues in adventure education. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing.
Wurdinger, S.D. and Priest, S. (1999). Integrating theory and application in experiential learning. In J. Miles and S. Priest (Eds.) Adventure Programming. (2nd edition). State College: Venture Press.
Hunt, J.S. and Wurdinger, S.D. (1999). Ethics and adventure programming. In J. Miles and S. Priest (Eds). Adventure Programming. (2nd edition). State College: Venture Press.
Wurdinger, S.D. (1997). Philosophical issues in adventure education. (3rd ed.) Dubuque,IA: Kendall / Hunt Publishing.
RESEARCH GRANTS AND OTHER REPORTS
EdVisions Grant Planning Team, 2016, Education Credit Management Company (ECMC), Planning Grant Overview.
Paladin Academy Summer 2012, Innovative Quality Schools Cadre Expert, School Oversight Process
Milroy Charter School, Spring 2011, Innovative Quality Schools Cadre Expert (Evaluation Report)
The Effectiveness of Project Based Learning at the Minnesota New Country School. Spring 2008 (Research Report)
Submitted: A Qualitative Study on the Success of Charter School Graduates, Institute for Education Sciences, 2007 (Federal Grant)
Education Evolving Evaluation of Dakota Academy Charter School, Burnsville, MN, 2007 (Evaluation Report)
A Qualitative Study on the Success of Graduates at Minnesota New Country School, 2007 (Release Grant)
The Effectiveness of Using Project Based Learning in a Middle School, 2006 (Release Grant)
New Leader’s Center Alternative Licensure Program, 2004 (Release Grant)
Using Experiential Learning Book Project, 2004 (Release Grant)
PRESENTATIONS:
Invited Speaker: Engaging Your Students at The Highest Level, Institute for Pedagogy in the Liberal Arts, Oxford College at Emory University, Covington, GA, May 9-10, 2017.
Invited Speaker: Inspiring Students to Learn Through Experiential Learning, Inver Hills Community College, Minneapolis, MN, May 11, 2017
Invited Guest: Charter School Policy Issues with the President of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC, March 3, 2017
Speaker: Project-Based Learning: A Powerful Method for Everyone. Minnesota Association for Alternative Programs, Mankato, MN, February 9, 2017
Invited Speaker: Project Based Learning in Higher Education, University of Pikeville, Pikeville, KY, October 28, 2016
Keynote Speaker: Inspiring Students Through Experiential Learning, Northeast Higher Education District Professional Development Day, Hibbing, MN. September 30, 2016
Invited Speaker: Making Higher Education Meaningful: Research and Practice in Experiential Learning. University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland. May 13, 2016
Invited Speaker: Collaborative Inquiry, The Wharton Leadership School, The University of Pennsylvania, April 5, 2016.
Keynote Speaker: The Power of Experiential Learning: From Discussion to Field Experience, International Sun Conference, University of Texas El Paso, March 17, 2016
Invited Speaker: Inspiring Students to Learn Through Experiential Learning, Oxford College of Emory University, Covington, GA, September17, 2015.
Invited Speaker: Building Critical Thinking Skills Through Project Based Learning, Academics Impressions National Webcast, Mankato, MN, April 2015.
Invited Speaker: The Power of Project Based Learning, Academic Impressions Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, March, 2015
Time for Action: Using Innovative Approaches to Learning, Minnesota Association for Alternative Programs, Rochester, MN, February 14, 2013.
Enhancing Academic and Life Skills Through Experiential learning, Minnetonka Institute, Minneapolis, MN, July 20, 2012.
Invited Speaker: Implementing Project Based Learning, Lakes Area Charter School, Osakis, MN, March 8, 2012
Invited Speaker: Challenging the Status Quo in Education, Luther College Leadership Studies program, Luther College, Decorah, IA, March 1, 2012
Invited Speaker: Life Skills at EdVisions Schools, EdVisions Summer Institute, Henderson, MN, July 2011
Invited Speaker: Charter School Research, Center for School Change, St Paul MN, June 2011
Invited Speaker: Facilitating the Q-Comp Process, Minnesota New Country School, Henderson, MN October, 2010
Invited Speaker: Project Based Learning Charter School Survey Research, Education Evolving, Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota, February, 2009
Minnesota New Country School Strategic Planning, Minnesota New Country School, Henderson. Minnesota, March 26, 2009
Invited Speaker: Stop Talking and Start Doing: Why We Need to Mainstream Experiential Learning, Heartland Association for Experiential Education Conference, Williams Bay, WI, March 2008
Current Trends in Experiential Education Panel, Heartland Association for Experiential Education Conference. Williams Bay, Wisconsin, March 2008
Experiential Learning and Standardized Tests, Minnesota Association for Alternative Programs, St Paul, Minnesota, February, 2008.
Convener: Progressive Educators Conference, Mankato, Minnesota, September 2006
Invited Speaker: Problem Solving Using Project Based Learning, Dakota Meadows Middle School, Mankato, MN, August, 2006
Power, peril, and promise of experiential learning, International Consortium for Experiential Learning Conference, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, England, July 2006
Invited Speaker: Experiential learning and educational reform, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, July 2006
Project Based Learning Assessment Techniques, Dakota Meadows, Mankato, MN, January, 2006
Integrating Project Based Learning at a Mainstream Middle School, Mankato, MN, August 2005
Invited Speaker: Exploring experiential learning, Woodlands Outdoor Centre, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, June 2004.
Professional Vendor Membership, Association for Challenge Course Technology, Portland, OR, 2003
The Power of Experiential Learning, Minnesota New Country School Workshop, Henderson, MN, July 2002
Using Multiple Approaches of Experiential Learning to Enhance Facilitation, Association for Challenge Course Technology Conference, Nashville, TN, January, 2002
Professional Vendor Membership Orientation, Association for Challenge Course Technology, Nashville, TN, January, 2002
Proactive Experiential Learning, Association for Challenge Course Technology Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, January, 2001
Controversial Issues in Adventure Education, Association for Challenge Course Technology Conference, Orlando, Florida, January 2000
Using Critical Analysis to Improve Teaching Effectiveness, Teachers of Experiential and Adventure Methodologies Conference, Chicago, Illinois, Spring 1999
Developing a Challenge Course Program for Colleges and Universities, Association for Challenge Course Technology, San Antonio, Texas, Spring 1999
Presentations cont:
An Experiential Approach to Building Community With Your Alumni, Council for Support and Advancement of Education Conference, Chicago, Illinois, Fall 1998
Philosophical Issues in Adventure Education (keynote speaker), National Intramural Recreation Sports Association-Michigan Chapter, Big Rapids, Michigan, Fall 1998
Breaking Boundaries Through Experience Based Learning, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Chicago, Illinois, Fall 1998
Experiential Techniques for the College Classroom, Association for Experiential Education Heartland Conference, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Spring 1998
Opposing Viewpoints: A Panel Discussion on Distance Learning versus Traditional Education, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan, Spring 1998
Experiential Team Building, Ferris State University, Management and Development Retreat for Ferris State University Administrators, Big Rapids, Michigan, Summer 1997
The Challenge of Change, Ferris State University, The University College Faculty, Big Rapids, Michigan, Fall 1996
Reinvent Yourself: A Team Building Workshop, Ferris State University Dean’s Secretaries, Big Rapids, Michigan, Fall 1996
Individual Achievement Through Team Support, Allegiance Health Care, Chicago, Illinois, Fall 1996
Experiential Team Building Activities, United Methodist Deans, Wesley Woods Camp, Dowling, Michigan, Fall 1996
Using Critical Analysis to Improve Teaching Effectiveness, Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Spokane, Washington, Fall 1996
Career Exploration in Outdoor Education: A Panel Discussion, Association for Experiential Education Northeast Regional Conference, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, Spring 1996
Building a New Model in Experiential Learning Theory, Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Fall 1995
Advanced Processing Techniques, Sowhegan High School Faculty, Sowhegan, New Hampshire, Summer 1995
Advanced Processing Skills, Quad Graphics Inc., Peewaukee, Wisconsin, Summer 1995
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Experiential Learning, Association for Experiential Education Northeast Regional Conference, Lowell, Massachusetts, Spring 1995
Promoting Teacher Education Within the Association For Experiential Education, Association for Experiential Education Northeast Regional Conference, Lowell, Massachusetts, Spring 1995
Accreditation and Peer Review: A Win-Win for Experiential Programs and Professionals, Association for Experiential Education Northeast Regional Conference, Lowell, Massachusetts, Spring 1995
Approaches to Ethical Decision Making: A Panel Discussion, Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Austin, Texas, Fall 1994
Experiential Education, Traditional Education, and Adventure Education: How They Are Alike and How They Differ, Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Austin, Texas, Fall 1994
Experiential Education, Traditional Education, and Adventure Education: How They Are Alike and How They Differ, Association for Experiential Education Regional Conference, Ossipee, New Hampshire, Spring 1994
Experience Based Training and Development, Dun & Bradstreet Software, Southampton, Bermuda, Spring 1994
Misconceptions About Experiential Learning, Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Smugglers Notch, Vermont, Fall 1993
Ethical Decision Making in Experience Based Training and Development, Association for Experiential Education Regional Conference, Sringfield, Massachusetts, Spring 1993
Examining the Philosophy of Experiential Education, Association for Experiential Education International Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Fall 1990
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Courses taught at Minnesota State University (past 6 years)
Seminar: Professional Development Colloquium (Doctoral Course)
Seminar: Advanced Leadership Ethics (Doctoral Course)
Seminar: Research, Teaching, Higher Education and K-12 Internships (Doctoral Course)
Seminar: Teaching Methods in Experiential Learning
Seminar: Philosophy of Experiential Education
Seminar: Experiential Learning and Educational Reform
Seminar: Integrating Experiential Learning Across the Curriculum
Seminar: Applications of Experiential Learning
Seminar: Publishing and Presenting for Educators
Seminar: Organizational and Systems Change
Seminar: Leadership Studies
Seminar: Research in Educational Leadership
Portfolio Development
Experience and Education
Development of Experiential Education
Project Demonstration
Practicum
NON-TEACHING PROFESSIONAL ASSIGNMENTS
Minnesota State University
EdVisions ECMC Grant Planning Committee, 2016
Speech Committee, 2015-Present
COE Accreditation and Assessment Advisory Board, 2015-2016
EdVisions, Inc 2002-2015, Board Member
(Project Based Learning Charter Schools)
Innovative Quality Schools, 2007-Present, Charter School Evaluation Team
Improving Schools, 2010-Present, Editorial Advisory Board
EdVisions New Leaders Center, 2002-2005, Board Member
Association For Experiential, 1984-Present, Member, Education (AEE), 1993-Present, Regular Reviewer, Journal of Experiential Education.
1996-Present, Journal Article Reviewer, Journal of Experiential Education.
Journal of Adventure Education 2002-Present, Review Board and Outdoor Learning
2009-Present, Coordinator Educational Leadership Doctoral Program
2002-2008, Coordinator, Experiential Education Program
2003-2006, Chair, Department of Educational Leadership
2002-2004, Professional Education Council
2002, Minnesota Education Committee
2002-2003, Technology Committee
2002, Co-Chair, Search Committee, Department of Educational Leadership
2002, College of Education Mission Statement Committee
2001-Present, Web Site Contact, Department of Educational Leadership
Ferris State University
2000-June 2001, Co-Coordinator, Department of Leisure Studies
2000, Chair, Recreation Leadership and Management Search Committee
1999-2001, Graduate Committee
1998-2001, Student Government Leadership Committee
1998-2001, Professional Recreation Association Advisor
1998-2001, Bridge Building Committee
1998-2001, Student Life Committee
1997-2001, Experiential Teambuilding for Corporate Populations Committee
1999, Major Annual Donors Committee
1997-1998, Recreation Leadership and Management Program Review Committee
1997-1998, Challenge Course Oversight Committee
1996-1998, Research Committee
1996, Honors Committee
University of New Hampshire
1995-96, 2002 Task Force for School of Health and Human Services
1995-96, Graduate Student Selection Committee
1994-96, Chairperson, Awards and Seminar Committee
1994-96, Advisory Board, Family Expedition Grant
1993-96, Kinesiology Department Awards and Seminar Committee
1993-1994, Transformational Teamwork Committee
AWARDS AND HONORS
2001, Outstanding Faculty Advisor, Student Leadership Services, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan
2001- Dean’s Recognition Award, College of Education, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan
1990-Present Exel/Peltonen Nordic Skiing Sponsorship
1993- UNH Outstanding Teacher, Awarded by Student Senate Greek and Academic Affairs Council
ACADEMIC INTERESTS
Experiential Learning, Educational Reform, Project Based Learning, Charter Schools, Alternative Teacher Licensing, Adult Education, Philosophy of Education