A qualitative study of the perceived significant life impacts of a university summer outdoor education course. Issue 4 (2nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wigglesworth, Jennifer; Heintzman, Paul
• Is Part Of: Journal of adventure education and outdoor learning. Volume 21:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 385
• Page End: 397
• Publication Date: 2021-10-02
• Subjects: Outdoor education -- significant life experience -- impacts -- university courses; Adventure education -- Periodicals; Outdoor education -- Periodicals; 371.38405
• DOI: 10.1080/14729679.2020.1854097
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-9679

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In the current study, the researchers qualitatively explored the life significance of a university summer outdoor education (OE) course. The data included 15 in-depth interviews with alumni who had participated in one of the university's summer OE courses over 20 years ago. The researchers interpretively analyzed the interview transcripts and discovered the following significant life impacts: development of interpersonal skills; self-discovery; environmental behaviour change; leisure style change; transfer to others; and increased outdoor knowledge/skills. This study holds practical promise for informing universities and colleges of the long-term implications of OE courses.