Complementing classroom learning through outdoor adventure education: out-of-school-time experiences that make a difference

ABSTRACT

Recent research underscores the importance of the skills, beliefs and behaviors that support student achievement in the classroom and beyond. This set of intrapersonal and interpersonal assets (e.g. perseverance, grit, social skills, efficacy beliefs and mind-sets) are often referred to as noncognitive factors, as they are not measured directly by traditional academic assessments. Outdoor adventure education (OAE) is well positioned to deliver these desired outcomes—boosting self-confidence, self-efficacy and social skills while developing leadership and communication competencies. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to better understand the form, function and delivery of an effective OAE program/school partnership targeting factors that support student success. Findings explain how shared OAE experiences among adolescent girls attending the same school contribute to greater social connectedness, self-efficacy in leadership competencies, and a recalibrated sense of self and personal potential.

KEYWORDS:

• Noncognitive factors
• residential learning
• outdoor adventure education
• adolescents
• self-efficacy
• growth mind-sets
• sense of belonging

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ERRATUM

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. In the United States, 7th-grade students are generally 12–13 years old, 9th-grade students are 14–15 years old, 11th-grade students are 16–17 years old and 12th-grade students are 17–18 years old.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dan Richmond

Dr Dan Richmond is a lecturer in Youth Development at Texas A&M. His research focuses on college readiness and the development of noncognitive factors in adolescents. Dr Richmond is also a field instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School leading extended wilderness expeditions. Prior to pursuing his Ph.D., Dan worked in public radio.

Jim Sibthorp

Dr Jim Sibthorp is a professor at the University of Utah in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation. He teaches courses on youth programming, outdoor education, and research design and analysis. Through work with NOLS and the American Camp Association, Jim continues to design, implement and translate studies that bridge research and practice. Jim has written extensively on topics involving outdoor education, adventure programming and youth development.

John Gookin

Dr. John Gookin is the former Research & Curriculum Manager at NOLS.

Sarah Annarella

Sarah Annarella is a senior account manager for NOLS Custom Education.

Stephanie Ferri

Stephanie Ferri is fitness and wellness teacher at the Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles.