The Impact of a Service-Learning Program on Recreational-Therapy Student Preferences for Working with Older Adults. Issue 2 (1st September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tapps, Tyler; Long, Terry; Baghurst, Timothy
• Is Part Of: Schole. Volume 32:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2017-09-01
• Subjects: Older adults -- service learning -- recreational therapy; Leisure -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; Recreation -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; Leisure -- Study and teaching (Higher); Recreation -- Study and teaching (Higher); United States; Periodicals; 790.0711
• DOI: 10.18666/SCHOLE-2017-V32-I2-5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1937-156X

Abstract

Abstract: Demographic trends related to the baby-boomer generation suggest that the future will necessitate significant increases to the workforce serving this population. Recreational-therapy services are no exception, as this area of practice ties directly to the anticipated health-care and quality-of-life needs of this growing segment of society. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a 30-hr service-learning project on recreational-therapy students' preferences regarding future employment in settings that serve older adults. Participants were a convenience sample of 23 recreational-therapy students who participated in a 30-hr service-learning project over the course of one semester. At the beginning and end of the semester, participants completed a single-item questionnaire asking them to rank-order their preferences regarding the client populations they would like to work with in the future. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was utilized to determine changes in student preferences. Results indicated that prior to the service-learning project, older adults were the least desired population among five available options; however, after the service-learning program they were identified as the second most desired population. Findings suggest that participation in a service-learning program can increase recreational-therapy students' relative preference for working with older adults and should be considered when developing or revising academic programs.