Leisure Studies Commons^™

Outdoor Leader Self Awareness And Its Relationship To Co-Leaders' Perceptions Of Influence, Mark C. Wagstaff

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to ex­amine the relationship between outdoor leader self-awareness and co-leaders' per­ceptions of leader influence. Self­-awareness was based on the concept of self-actualization (Maslow, 1968, 1970, 1971). The construct of influence was operationalized as power (French & Ra­ven, 1959).

Validity And Reliability Of The Outdoor Education Practicum Questionnaire, Thomas J. Quinn

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to de­sign a reliable and valid instrument to measure perceived levels of anxiety of students en­rolled in a resident outdoor adventure educa­tion course, and to support a four factor model of perceived levels of anxiety of students in such programs. The four proposed factors or latent variables include: 1) Level of Control, 2) Program Inadequacies, 3) Personal Inade­quacies, and 4) Level of Comfort.

Validating Predictors To Determine Optimal Adventure In Whitewater Kayaking, Chris D. Jones, Steven J. Hollenhurst

Research in Outdoor Education

This study attempts to validate predictors of optimal adventure within an on-site whitewater kayaking setting using a modification of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM). Based on the flow theory and Martin and Priest's (1986) Adventure Experience Paradigm, it was expected that measures of challenge-skill and risk-competence would be correlated and predict indicators of an optimal or peak adventure experience. Additionally, it was expected that differences would be found in the levels of perceived challenge and risk according to the difficulty of river stages.

Pitfalls To Avoid In Adventure Education Outcome Research, Jim Sibthorp

Research in Outdoor Education

There has been much consensus that adventure education needs more theory building and theory testing, yet the meth­odological problems associated with much of the empirical and quantitative research are making this a daunting task. Future . research endeavors should (a) make com­parisons t}lat make sense, (b) use random assignment to experimental and con­trol/comparison groups, (c) use and report appropriate statistical procedures, ( d) take care to assess validity of research instru­ments for populations under study, (e) be willing to openly discuss project biases and limitations.

Efficacy Of A Tr Self-Esteem Program For Adolescents With Emotional Disturbances In A Treatment Setting, Ramon B. Zabriskie

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a modularized therapeutic recreation self-esteem program (that included outdoor adventure based components) provided for adolescents in a residential treatment center. Data were also collected on demographic variables including age, gender, and ethnicity. Subjects consisted of 112 adolescent patients ranging from ages 12 to 17, with an average length of stay of nine months to one year.

Learning Outdoor Recreation Skills In A Safe Place: Lessons From A Single Sex Program, Deb Jordan

Research in Outdoor Education

The primary intent of this study was to ascertain the reasons women participate in single-sex outdoor recreation workshops to learn outdoor recreation skills. A secondary issue was to identify reasons for participation in outdoor recreation activities.

Evaluating Short Term And Long Term Retention Of Experiences Associated With An Interpretive School Field Trip, Jim Sibthorp, Doug Knapp

Research in Outdoor Education

The strong evidence that an interpre­tive experience can promote initial knowl­edge retention sets up a more difficult ques­tion: how long do these students hold on to . this information? More precisely, what do the students remember one month or more after the initial treatment? Are these memo­ries associated with interpreter-derived pro­gram objectives or tertiary variables such as social or environmental factors? Can the memories from this experience impact a stu­dent's attitude toward the resource site? These are questions that are looked at through this pilot study evaluating short term and long term retention of experiences associated with an interpretive school …

The Future Of Research In Outdoor Education, Simon Priest

Research in Outdoor Education

Editor's Note: The CEO research sym­posia have always included working ses­sions on topics and issues of concern to participants. At the fourth symposium, the topic was no less than "the future of research in our field." Masterfully fa­cilitated by Simon Priest, symposium participants alternated between plenary sessions and smaller working groups and sought to develop agendas and strategies that might advance our field in important ways. Pleased with the re­sults, everyone asked Simon to prepare a summary, which he promptly did and distributed by e-mail. For- the record, we conclude these proceedings by printing Simon Priest's outline-style summary of this …

Controversial Issues In Adventure Education, Tom Potter, Scott Wurdinger

Research in Outdoor Education

The book, Controversial Issues in Adventure Education, will address some of the most controversial topics in the field of adventure education. It will consist of 15 questions set up in a debate format where adventure education professional will present opposing viewpoints on each issue.

Strengthening The Foundations Of Outdoor Education, Anderson B. Young, Leo H. Mcavoy

Research in Outdoor Education

A preface to the journal "Research in Outdoor Education," volume 3 is presented by the authors on behalf of the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors (CEO) Research Committee.

Front Matter, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors (Ceo)

Research in Outdoor Education

The Coalition for Education in the Outdoors initiated a Research Task Force in 1990 with the purpose of supporting the conduct of research in the field and the dissemination of the results. The symposium at Bradford Woods and these proceedings offer evidence of the success of this task force. At the first symposium in 1992, there was general agreement that the symposium be a regular occurrence. The 1994 and 1996 Symposia and these Proceedings are indicators of the Coalition's continued support of research in outdoor education. Information on future events will be available through the Coalition office.

This article includes …

Outdoor Education And Spirituality, Tom Smith

Research in Outdoor Education

The question at hand is that of researching the impact of outdoor recreational and educa­tional experiences on the spiritual development of the individual. I approach that question from the perspective of a facilitator of personal growth who has long advocated the methodolo­gies considered as experiential outdoor/chal­lenge/adventure education.

Outdoor Education And The Schools, Bert Horwood

Research in Outdoor Education

The research reported to gatherings spon­sored by the Coalition for Education in the Out­doors has had relatively little connection with school-based outdoor education. In this paper, I will explore the potentially fruitful interface between education in the outdoors and the schools. The exploration is influenced by the uncertainty of our times, and I have organized this report to reflect two views. One is that the social ferment of the mid-1990s is normal and that we can continue to conduct research in the way that Kuhn (1974) characterized as "normal science." The second view is that the social fab­ric of the …

Person-Place Engagement Among Recreation Visitors, Iris B. Wilson

Research in Outdoor Education

Leaders of groups participating in experien­tial programs in the outdoors, particularly in backcountry expeditions, can increase group management effectiveness and enhance personal benefit to participants by taking into account the various modes in which individuals engage themselves with the physical setting.

Responsible Environmental Behavior: Metaphoric Transference Of Minimum-Impact Ideology, J. Porter Hammitt, Wayne A. Freimund

Research in Outdoor Education

This abstract represents a thesis research project that studied changes in National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) students' attitudes, intentions, and behavior, as they pertain to the environment, resulting from participation in NOLS' Wind River Wilderness course. It was hypothesized that an increase in these concerns would result from the metaphoric transference of minimum-impact ideology to daily life. Prominent theories from the fields of social psychology and environmental education relating attitudes, intentions, behavior, and other considerations were incorporated into the theo­retical framework of the study.

Providing An Authentic Wilderness Experience? Thinking Beyond The Wilderness Act Of 1964, William T. Borrie, Joseph W. Roggenbuck

Research in Outdoor Education

Six facets of a wilderness experience are suggested (oneness, humility, primitiveness, timelessness, soli­tude, and care) based on the writings of wilderness philosophers such as Henry David Thoreau and John Muir. In structuring our lessons in wilderness, we could do well to broaden our notion of wilderness be- yond the Wilderness Act.

Ethical Frameworks, Moral Practices And Outdoor Education, Karen M. Fox, Mick Lautt

Research in Outdoor Education

Discoveries and insights from quantum physics and chaos theory help create new metaphors about. ethical frameworks and moral practices in outdoor education. Using concepts such as fractals, fields, and strange attractors, we explore new ways to view research results, scholarly writings, and creative endeavors related to outdoor education. In addition, we evaluate four themes related to the present ethical discourse in outdoor education and sketch new directions for moral practice.

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.

Research In Outdoor Education: Our Place On The Porch, Alan Ewert

Research in Outdoor Education

This article is an edited version of the transcript from Dr. Ewert's videotaped presentation at the Symposium.

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.

Integrating Outdoor Leadership Education Into The Academic Setting, Pamela E. Foti

Research in Outdoor Education

To integrate outdoor leadership education effectively within university academic programs, innovative curricula need to be developed that combine field and classroom work. The goal must be to enable students to understand and assimilate the knowledge base within the classroom and to be able to.apply and show judgment and competence in the field.

A Research Update Of Adventure Therapy (1992-1995): Challenge Activities And Ropes Courses, Wilderness Expeditions, And Residential Camping Programs, H. Lee Gillis, Donna Thomsen

Research in Outdoor Education

n 1992 a review of research in adventure therapy offered a perspective that utilized work in psy­chotherapy as a lens to view the current state of the field. From that review, several recommenda­tions were made to gain respect within the field of traditional mental health. This update examines the recommendations made in 1992 and updates them utilizing research that has taken place in adventure therapy and borrowing liberally from suggestions made for enhancing the field of psy­chotherapy. The article makes the following points. First, the field of adventure therapy must cre­ate a collective document that addresses its accomplishments and effectiveness. …

Interactive Behaviors Between Students And Instructors In The Outdoors, Christine Cashel

Research in Outdoor Education

Research investigating the instructional pro­cess has been conducted in many settings but is still a young science (Rink, 1985). The relation­ships between variables that affect the teaching-­learning process and student achievement have been studied in contemporary educational re­search. Few, if any, studies have focused on the interactive behaviors of instructors and students in the outdoor environment.

The Current Status Of Women's Employment In Outdoor Leadership, T. A. Loeffler

Research in Outdoor Education

The study analyzed women's employment rates from 62 outdoor organizations to determine women's rep­resentation in the outdoor field. Statistical analysis revealed that women were under-represented in outdoor organizations at the executive and management levels using a proportionality standard. Additionally, women reported lower salaries and higher gender-based discrimination occurrences than their male coun­terparts.

"Kind Of In The Middle": The Gendered Meanings Of The Outdoors For Women Students, Karla A. Henderson, Sherry Winn, Nina S. Roberts

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this study was to examine the links between past, present, and future involvement for females and perceptions about whether the outdoors was perceived as a gendered environment Data were collected using five focus group interviews. Several aspects of grounded theory emerged from this study including aspects of exposure to outdoor opportunities as a child, in­volvement in the outdoors as a result of an4 resistance to a gendered society, and contradictions between idealized attitudes and the realities of women's involvement in the outdoors.

The Permanency Of A Specific Self-Concept, Alan N. Wright

Research in Outdoor Education

The Adjective Check List was used to measure a global and a specific self-concept. The results indicate differentiation between the global self and a specific adventure self as mountaineer and a high degree of permanency was found in the specific self at the follow-up thirteen years later.

Evaluating The Impact Of Environmental Interpretation: A Review Of Three Research Studies, Doug Knapp

Research in Outdoor Education

This paper reviews three research studies that looked at the impact an intexpreti;e experience has on kno􀀟ledge, atti_ 􀀠de, and/or behavior of a park visitor. research methodologies, limitations, and conclusions were discussed for all three studies.

Teaching And Evaluating Outdoor Ethics Programs: Setting A Research Agenda, Bruce E. Matthews

Research in Outdoor Education

No abstract provided.

Personality Preferences Of Outdoor Participants, Christine Cashel, Diane Montgomery, Suzie Lane

Research in Outdoor Education

There remains some question about how to link what is known about individuals to the planning and implementation of group struc­tured outdoor programs. One theory that may illuminate the program planning and imple­mentation processes in terms of collective dif­ferences is Jungian personality theory.

Coe Fliers From Proceedings, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors (Ceo)

Research in Outdoor Education

Information on joining COE or subscribing to Taproot are included here. They were originally included at the end of the Proceedings.