ERIC Number: EJ1220424
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2227-7102
EISSN: N/A
The Holistic Approach to Academia: Traditional Classroom Instruction and Experiential Learning of Student-Athletes
Coffey, Lisa; Davis, Armani
Education Sciences, v9 Article 125 2019
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student-athletes represent a unique subculture on college campuses, and the athlete must balance the rigors of coursework, athletics, and the non-traditional dynamics associated with being an athlete, which include "dumb jock" stereotypes, isolation, negative criticism, and the fear associated with athletic retirement. Unlike non-athletes, these students face increasing pressure from outside sources, including family, coaches, and fans, to be the best. However, participation in athletics gives student-athletes an opportunity to learn valuable skills and characteristics that are transferrable to the workplace. This mixed-method research extracted descriptive data to identify the characteristics learned through athletics, the skill-sets potential employers value the most, and how those skills are transferable to the workplace. Those characteristics include refined leadership, communication skills, and an ability to multi-task with a laser-sharp focus. Student-athletes are assertive, driven, understand the concept of teamwork, and handle constructive criticism without adverse reactions. The results show that when student-athletes engage in the classroom and absorb the learning opportunities provided through athletics, student-athletes can have a competitive advantage in the job marketplace.
Descriptors: College Athletics, Athletes, College Students, Skill Development, Job Skills, Leadership Qualities, Communication Skills, Personality Traits, Teamwork, Student Characteristics, Employment Qualifications
MDPI AG. Klybeckstrasse 64, 4057 Basel, Switzerland. Tel: e-mail: indexing@mdpi.com; Web site: http://www.mdpi.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California; Georgia; Indiana; Maryland; New Hampshire; New York; North Carolina; Ohio; Pennsylvania; Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A