1. The Effects of an Adventure Education Pilot Study on Social Emotional Learning, Resilience, and Physical Activity among High School Students
- Author
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Albedry, Brandon, Ammons, Lillie, Marenus, Michele W., Hammoud, Dianna, Jandali, Danny, Chrzanowski, Mark, and Chen, Weiyun
- Abstract
Background: Research on the effects of adventure education lessons on social emotional skills (SEL), psychological outcomes, and physical activity (PA) is limited. Purpose: This study assessed the effectiveness of adventure education lessons in improving high school students' SEL competencies, resilience, and PA. Methods: 95 10th grade students (mean age = 15 ± 0.56) enrolled in a 90-minute adventure education class 2-3 times a week for 15 weeks during the winter/spring semester of 2022. Questionnaires measured SEL, resilience, and PA at pre- and posttest, while open-ended questionnaires were collected at the end of the semester. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and constant comparison techniques. Results: indicated significant increases in the total SEL scale (t = -2.00, p = 0.050), self-awareness (t = -2.07, p = 0.043), self-management (t = -2.67, p = 0.010), resilience (t = 5.69, p < 0.001), and vigorous PA (t = -4.13, p < 0.001) levels over time. Qualitative analysis revealed adventure education promotes communication, teamwork, and building transferrable skills leading to intra- and interpersonal growth. Discussion: High school students saw improvements in SEL, resilience, and physical activity after participating in a semester-long adventure education curriculum. Translation to Health Education Practice: The adventure education is useful in improving students' SEL skills, developing resilience, and promoting PA.
- Published
- 2023
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