The Impact of a Service-Learning Program on Recreational-Therapy Student Preferences for Working with Older Adults

Abstract

Demographic trends related to the baby-boomer generation suggest that the future will necessitate significant increases to the workforce serving this population. Recreational-therapy services are no exception, as this area of practice ties directly to the anticipated health-care and quality-of-life needs of this growing segment of society. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a 30-hr service-learning project on recreational-therapy students' preferences regarding future employment in settings that serve older adults. Participants were a convenience sample of 23 recreational-therapy students who participated in a 30-hr service-learning project over the course of one semester. At the beginning and end of the semester, participants completed a single-item questionnaire asking them to rank-order their preferences regarding the client populations they would like to work with in the future. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was utilized to determine changes in student preferences. Results indicated that prior to the service-learning project, older adults were the least desired population among five available options; however, after the service-learning program they were identified as the second most desired population. Findings suggest that participation in a service-learning program can increase recreational-therapy students' relative preference for working with older adults and should be considered when developing or revising academic programs.

Keywords:

• Older adults
• service learning
• recreational therapy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tyler Tapps

Tyler Tapps is an assistant professor at the School of Health Science and Wellness, Northwest Missouri State University.

Terry Long

Terry Long is a professor and the director at the School of Health Science and Wellness, Northwest Missouri State University.

Timothy Baghurst

Timothy Baghurst is an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University.