Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Re-Thinking Group Development In Adventure Programming: A Qualitative Examination, Levi Dexel, Bruce Martin, Laura Black, Aiko Yoshino

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of the study was to re-examine the efficacy of Tuckman's (1965) model of group development in adventure programming. More specifically, the researchers were interested in comparing Tuckman's traditional sequential model to more contemporary non-sequential and integrative models that have emerged as alternative ways to conceptualize the process of group development. The researchers used a case study approach (Merriam, 2001) and techniques characteristic of naturalistic inquiry (Lincoln & Guba, 1985) to explore the nature of group development among participants in a weeklong sea kayaking expedition. The researchers concluded that more contemporary models of group development more accurately explained the …

Using Means-End Theory To Understand The Outdoor Adventure Experience, Marnie Goldenberg, Leo Mcavoy, David Klensosky, Tom Holman

Research in Outdoor Education

According to Ford (1981), outdoor educa­tion is "education in, about, and for the out­doors, implying a place, a topic, and a reason" (p. 14). Another working definition stated that outdoor education is "an experiential method of learning which takes place primarily through sensory involvement with the out-of-doors" (Priest & Gass, 1997, p. 17). Priest and Gass also defined outdoor adventure programs as those. that use challenging experiences in the outdoors to promote personal and group devel­opment.

This research developed a better under­standing of the linkages between outdoor adven­ture program (Outward Bound) experiences and outcomes using means-end analysis. Previously the means-end …

Group Development And Group Dynamics In Outdoor Education, Leo H. Mcavoy, Denise S. Mitten, L. Allison Stringer, James P. Steckhart, Kraig Sproles

Research in Outdoor Education

This paper presents an update of the research on group development and group dynamics in out­door education since the 1992 edition of these Proceedings. The research is presented within the six categories of individual and personal dimensions: group process and structure, group functions and tasks, leadership and power, environmental influences, and the impact of the group on the in­dividual. The paper includes a discussion of pertinent research in the fields of social work, com­munications, and management Specific recommendations are made for future research in outdoor education focusing on group development and dynamics.

A Research Summary For Corporate Adventure Training (Cat) And Experience-Based Training And Development(Ebtd), Simon Priest

Research in Outdoor Education

This paper is a review of research in Corporate Adventure Training (CAT) and Experience-Based Training and Development (EBTD); a summary of a number of research studies in CAT and EBTD conducted through the Corporate Adventure Training Institute and other researchers; and, recommendations for future research in this growing field of outdoor education. The research results indicate corporate adventure training programs can be effective means of team building and other group development outcomes. The author gives a number of recommendations for future research including the need to investigate the pro­gram elements that contn'bute to overall program effectiveness.

Research In Outdoor Education: Group Development And Group Dynamics, Leo H. Mcavoy, Denise S. Mitten, James P. Steckart, L. Alison Stringer

Research in Outdoor Education

This article contains the text of a keynote presentation at the Inaugural Symposium for Research in Outdoor Education at Bradford Woods, January 1992,. The presentation focused on the development of positive group dynamics.

Summary Of Group Development/ Group Dynamics Discussion, Leo H. Mcavoy, Anderson B. Young

Research in Outdoor Education

Summarizes the group discussion held following the keynote on group development and group dynamics.