Assessing Outcomes of a Realistic Major Preview in an Introductory Sport Management Course

Abstract

This paper assessed the outcomes of a field experience assignment (FEA) in an introductory sport management course designed as a realistic major preview. Student learning outcomes assessed were commitment to the major, intent to pursue the major, expectation of a career in sports, and perceived preparation for a career in sports. A quasi-experimental non- equivalent control group research design was employed (n = 125). Data was analyzed using 2 X 2 repeated measures MANOVA. The Group X Time interaction was not significant, Λ =.945, F(4, 97) = 1.42, p <.05, indicating that the FEA did not make a difference in student perceptions compared to those students who did not complete the FEA in the control group. However, the main effects for Time were significant. Students scored lower on the posttest than the pretest on all four outcomes. Implications for sport management faculty and administrators are explored.

Keywords:

• sport management
• teaching
• field experience
• realistic major preview
• assessment
• learning outcomes