Impact of an experiential learning curriculum on youth developmental assets in alternative high schools

ABSTRACT

Adventure-based learning is used by behavioral health providers to connect clients to therapeutic activities outside traditional settings. These approaches often aim to build internal and external assets that support positive youth development. Here we evaluate the impact of an experiential learning curriculum on youth development and identify program characteristics that support development of positive assets. The evaluation included classroom field observations, a pre/post survey of developmental assets, semi-structured student interviews, and focus groups with school employees. Program staff were successful creating a supportive environment, but there was no significant difference in average student asset scores before and after each course. Students described the program as an opportunity to explore their own backyard while stepping outside their comfort zone through teamwork and leadership activities. Evaluation of individual programs can build a suite of best practices for adventure-based education. In particular, emphasis on “challenge by choice” and youth-led activities resonated with students.

KEYWORDS:

• Adventure education
• experiential learning
• evaluation
• behavioral health
• developmental assets

Acknowledgments

We want to thank the students, staff, and Board of Directors of Onward & Upward and the administration and staff at Burchell High School, Valley Pathways School, and Mat-Su Central School for their participation in this research. In particular, we would like to thank Onward & Upward Executive Director, Randall Dowd, and Program Director, Amanda Montavan, for their help with data collection.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Mat-Su Health Foundation under Grant #62994.

Notes on contributors

Micah Hahn

Micah Hahn is an assistant professor in the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. She researches the health impacts of climate change with a particular focus on climate change epidemiology and working with communities to develop data-driven adaptation solutions.

Rebecca Van Wyck

Rebecca Van Wyck is a research associate for the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.

Mariah A. Seater

Mariah Seater is a master of public health student in the Division of Population Health Sciences at University of Alaska-Anchorage.

Alicia F. Marvin

Alicia Marvin is a doctoral candidate in the Clinical-Community Psychology Ph.D. Program at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.