This paper describes a field trip by senior undergraduate anthropology students to a local winery, where they participated in a wine-tasting class with winery staff. In response to explicit hints from a wine-tasting facilitator, and more subtle cues from the cultural capital embedded in their surroundings and the winery staff, the students…

Colleges and universities across the United States are struggling with student retention and attrition (Derby & Smith, 2004; Jacobs & Archie, 2008; Tinto, 1993). As a result, theoretically supported interventions designed to encourage retention and persistence are needed. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to intentionally create an…

Participation in experiential education is said to enhance people's appreciation for diversity. This article reports on a study that found significant changes in participants' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors following a non-formal diversity education program using adventure-based and community-service activities. Additionally, hypothesized…

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible enhancement of compassion in college students as a result of participating in community-based learning immersion trips. In two separate experiments, a total of 123 college students were given a series of questionnaires immediately before and after university-sponsored immersion experiences to…

This research assessed effects of brief wilderness programs on adolescents' self-concepts, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and environmental attitudes and contrasted effects for adolescents in five racial groups. A pretest-posttest design compared adolescents who participated in wilderness outings (n = 67) with adolescents on a waiting…

This study analyzes a project involving students enrolled in an intercultural communication class that employs service-learning. Participants were given the Generalized Ethnocentrism (GENE) scale developed by Neuliep and McCroskey at the beginning and conclusion of a semester of service-learning with a cultural group different than their own.…

Frequently cited among the benefits of service-learning is the potential enhancement of students' ability to critically reflect upon their experiences. It is often questioned as to how critical this reflection process is in practice, noting that service-learning often leaves students' assumptions regarding privilege and equity unexamined.…

A study examined the effects of a 5-day rock climbing intervention on perceptions of alienation and control among 17 at-risk adolescents from an alternative high school. Following the climbing program, the experimental group was less alienated and demonstrated a stronger sense of personal control than did the control group. (TD)

A study explored the influence of experiential adventure activities on nine girls with emotional and behavioral disorders at a residential wilderness camp. New members found the activities exciting, but did not relate them to treatment. Established members began to see connections to treatment issues. Advanced members understood the relevance of…

A study examined perceptions of a 7-day Outward Bound program among 23 urban youths, foster parents, and foster care workers from group homes in Atlanta (Georgia). Foster parents reported improved self-esteem and behavior among the teens, but foster care workers reported worse behavior. Negative program impressions lessened among male youths but…

Spirituality, even within traditional religious practices, can inspire environmentally aware lifestyles. To help this "green fire" burn well, experiential educators should acknowledge religious beliefs and practices and avoid perpetuating the modern spiritual-secular rift. A "critical experientialism" is needed when it comes to considering…

Case studies of four adolescent boys with behavioral disorders in four wilderness therapy programs identified time alone for reflection, a non-confrontive and caring approach by staff, and the role of wilderness as helpful common elements. Outcomes attributed to these elements included better family relationships, abstinence from drugs and…

Disability simulation offers a promising intervention when used in conjunction with other learning methods. Issues discussed include orientation activities that increase awareness and provide a context for examining personal values and biases, ethical and safety concerns, the role of the facilitator, and areas of inquiry specific to disabilities…

Forty Australian physical education student teachers participated in a weekend adventure education course that placed them outside their comfort zones and made them understand how less confident, lower-skilled students feel in physical education classes. Reflective writing exercises revealed participants' awareness of supportive environment, peer…

The stories we tell ourselves about nature and human/nature relationships influence which nature experiences we seek out and our interpretations of such experiences. In turn, these experiences reinforce or disrupt our stories. Since nature experiences are interpreted in multiple ways, environmental educators should move away from the linear model…