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Abstract
This paper reports on a case study of an outdoor experiential learning program and examines its meaning for program participants. The research was conducted with 56 university students who participated in the Outdoor Recreation Consortium held at the Great Smoky Mountain Institute in Tremont, TN. A mixed-method comparative research approach, using both quantitative and qualitative data collection, was adopted. This research demonstrates that qualitative data not only support the findings from quantitative data but also provide additional insight into participants' learning experiences and emphasize the value of adventure programs to individuals. Additionally, the results indicate that outdoor education programs offering more practical hands-on experiences are highly desired.
Parent Publication
Citation
Wang, Yasong; Graefe, Alan. 2008. Anticipated educational outcomes: a case study of the outdoor recreation consortium experience. In: LeBlanc, Cherie; Vogt, Christine, comps. Proceedings of the 2007 northeastern recreation research symposium; 2007 April 15-17; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-23. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 11-18.
