Perceptions of Costa Rican Professionals and Students on the Importance of the United States Undergraduate Recreation Curriculum Competencies for Costa Rica

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of Costa Rican professionals and students about the competencies needed for an undergraduate general recreation curriculum for the School of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Costa Rica. Through a literature review sources of competencies were identified Competencies were selected and translated into Spanish for a pilot questionnaire sent to the faculty of the School of Physical Education and Sports. The final version of the questionnaire consisted of 35 competency statements grouped in three sections: knowledge, skill, and attitude. This questionnaire was administered in Costa Rica during the summer of 1993 to five groups with 76 individuals responding: 23 alumni and senior students of the Bachelor's degree in Physical Education minoring in Sport and Recreation Administration, 18 university teachers from the University of Costa Rica and the National University, 18 private recreational program directors, 11 national parks directors, and six members of a governmental ministry. The respondents considered all 35 competency statements important to be included in an undergraduate general recreation curriculum. Professional enthusiasm and other attitude competencies were generally considered more important. Less importance was given to competencies on fiscal management and administrative legal concepts. The study demonstrated how competencies developed in the United States can be adapted for other cultures.

Key words:

• Educational competencies
• Professional preparation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carmen-Grace Salazar

Biographical Information

Carmen-Grace Salazar is Costa Rican. She is a faculty member in the School of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Costa Rica in San José, Costa Rica. She obtained her master's degree in recreation at Southern Illinois University.

Douglas N. McEwen

Dr. Douglas McEwen is a Professor at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. His specialization is outdoor recreation and he has visited Costa Rica several times. He can be contacted at the Department of Health Education and Recreation at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois 62901, (618) 453–4331.