Perceived Benefits of Service Learning: A Comparison of Collegiate Recreation Concentrations

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Perceived Benefits of Service Learning: A Comparison of Collegiate Recreation Concentrations
Language: English
Authors: Fisher, Eden E., Sharp, Ryan L., Bradley, Michael J.
Source: Journal of Experiential Education. Jun 2017 40(2):187-201.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2017
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Comparative Analysis, Service Learning, Therapeutic Recreation, Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Student Surveys, Recreational Activities, Recreational Programs, Outcomes of Education, College Environment, Online Surveys, Statistical Analysis
Geographic Terms: Georgia
DOI: 10.1177/1053825917700922
ISSN: 1053-8259
Abstract: Service learning is becoming a more utilized method of instruction in collegiate settings, and holds the potential to provide a deeper, more transferable meaning of course material for students. The purpose of this research was to examine if therapeutic recreation (TR) concentration students perceived service learning to be more personally and academically beneficial than non-TR concentrations in a collegiate recreation program. Undergraduate and graduate students in a recreation program at a regional, American university were asked to complete a survey in a class with a service learning component. A total of 307 surveys were completed, for a response rate of 76%. Results showed that the TR students perceived service learning as more personally and academically beneficial than the non-TR concentrations. Due to the scant amount of research available related to cognitive and affective effects of service learning on collegiate recreation students, this study will help bridge the gap between academia and the recreation workforce. The results of this study support future implementation of service learning at the collegiate level, specifically in recreation-related academic departments, and highlights possible discrepancies between TR and non-TR concentrations in the effectiveness of service learning on personal and academic outcomes.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 31
Entry Date: 2017
Accession Number: EJ1141380
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Service learning is becoming a more utilized method of instruction in collegiate settings, and holds the potential to provide a deeper, more transferable meaning of course material for students. The purpose of this research was to examine if therapeutic recreation (TR) concentration students perceived service learning to be more personally and academically beneficial than non-TR concentrations in a collegiate recreation program. Undergraduate and graduate students in a recreation program at a regional, American university were asked to complete a survey in a class with a service learning component. A total of 307 surveys were completed, for a response rate of 76%. Results showed that the TR students perceived service learning as more personally and academically beneficial than the non-TR concentrations. Due to the scant amount of research available related to cognitive and affective effects of service learning on collegiate recreation students, this study will help bridge the gap between academia and the recreation workforce. The results of this study support future implementation of service learning at the collegiate level, specifically in recreation-related academic departments, and highlights possible discrepancies between TR and non-TR concentrations in the effectiveness of service learning on personal and academic outcomes.
ISSN:1053-8259
DOI:10.1177/1053825917700922