The effect of an after-school outdoor adventure education program on high school students’ outdoor recreation perspectives
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Justin K. Boggs (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Michael Hemphill
Abstract: Increased time in core area classes and traditional physical education approaches may be lacking in providing all high school students with experiences that engage them (Griffin, 2020). Outdoor adventure education (OAE) is a physical education model that exposes students to socially constructive, experiential outdoor activities that carry a certain level of uncertainty and perceived risk (Ewert & Sibthorp, 2014). A movement is drawing more attention toward using outdoor adventure activities and programs to promote the physical and mental health benefits of the outdoors for the next generation (Barfield et al., 2021; Zmudy, 2015). However, a lack of quality OAE programming is common for many public school divisions. This qualitative case study aimed to understand the effects of an OAE after-school program on student perspectives of outdoor adventure activity participation. Observations, informal conversations, exit slip surveys, and a semi-structured focus group discussion were used to collect data from a group of high school students (n=11) from two high schools participating in the after-school OAE program. An open coding method was used to organize data into codes, categories, and themes (Miles et al., 2020). Data analysis revealed three sub-themes and one central theme emerged from the study. The sub-themes consisted of constraints, well-being, and adventure experiences, all centered around the theme of escape. The multiple data sources indicated that students expressed positivity toward the OAE program and outdoor activities, but time and knowledge were significant constraints to their participation. Additionally, students felt outdoor experiences provided mental and physical benefits by offering a means to cope with stress and anxiety. Lastly, students indicated that the novelty and social aspects of the program were motivating factors for participating. Students expressed that the OAE program provided a means to escape their daily routines through these immersive outdoor adventure experiences. This study supports the need to provide OAE experiences throughout the school year to further increase exposure to these lifetime adventure activities.
The effect of an after-school outdoor adventure education program on high school students’ outdoor recreation perspectives
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Created on 8/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Adolescents, High School, Outdoor, Recreation