ERIC Number: EJ1019192
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Oct
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1356-336X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Investigating the Experience of Outdoor and Adventurous Project Work in an Educational Setting Using a Self-Determination Framework
Sproule, John; Martindale, Russell; Wang, John; Allison, Peter; Nash, Christine; Gray, Shirley
European Physical Education Review, v19 n3 p315-328 Oct 2013
The purpose of this study was to carry out a preliminary investigation to explore the use of outdoor and adventurous project work (PW) within an educational setting. Specifically, differences between the PW and normal academic school experiences were examined using a self-determination theory framework integrated with a goal orientation and psychological skills perspective. Additionally, an exploratory investigation was carried out to examine the extent to which key motivation constructs predicted skill development (i.e. problem solving, collaboration and communication) through the PW experience. Six questionnaires were adapted and utilised to collect the relevant data for both school and PW experiences (Basic Psychological Needs questionnaire; the Learning Climate Questionnaire; Intrinsic Motivation Inventory; the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire; 2?×?2 Achievement Goal Questionnaire and perceived skills learned in PW questionnaire) from the 224 students (Mean age 13.2?±?0.3 years) who participated in the 12-day PW. Results indicated that there were significant differences between school and PW experience ("p"?<?0.01). Specifically, PW experience rated higher in autonomy supportive climate, autonomous motivation, perceived competence, and a greater emphasis on task approach goal orientation. Furthermore as a cohort, the students reported improvements in problem solving, collaboration and communication as a result of the PW experience. Finally, an exploratory hierarchical regression analysis revealed potential importance of perceived value, utilising meta-cognitive skills, and experiencing relatedness and autonomy in the prediction of skill development through PW experiences. The findings of this study present preliminary support the potential usefulness of outdoor and adventurous PW within a school context and provide implications for future research which are discussed further.
Descriptors: Outdoor Education, Adventure Education, Physical Education, Questionnaires, Learning Strategies, Learning Motivation, Self Determination, Goal Orientation, Prediction, Personal Autonomy, Metacognition, Problem Solving, Cooperation, Foreign Countries, Private Schools, Informed Consent, Student Projects, Secondary School Students, Student Attitudes, Psychological Needs
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Publication Type: Reports - Research; Journal Articles
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (Scotland)
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A