Date of Award
5-1-2025
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Human Sciences
First Advisor
Kim, Jun
Abstract
Experiential education is an intentional method of educating that allows learners to engage with direct experiences and reflections to increase knowledge, gain skills and enhance relationships (AEE, n.d.; Adkins & Simmons, 2002). Outdoor education, one application of experiential education, occurs outdoors, covers interdisciplinary material, employs experiential learning, and fostering relationships with people and nature (Priest, 1986). The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of outdoor education programs on self-efficacy among outdoor leaders to contribute data for further research. This pilot study integrated quantitative data from the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) with qualitative responses to explore perceived self-efficacy. The study focused on eleven summer program staff of a local outdoor education center’s summer day camp program. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS software to evaluate changes in self-efficacy over the duration of the program and open-ended responses were reviewed using an inductive and thematic process. Average pre-survey results revealed a mean score of 6.17 (SD = 1.009) and post-survey results showed a mean score of 6.575 (SD= 0.949), indicating an overall increase in perceived self-efficacy. The open-ended responses revealed two observations: (1) self-efficacy components are interactive, and (2) participants expressed achieving desired outcomes. Findings imply that outdoor education programs foster the refinement of self-efficacy among outdoor leaders. While increases were modest, participant responses showed meaningful growth. Future research should expand methodologies including qualitative aspects, examine structures of outdoor education programs in relation to self-efficacy development, and heavily emphasize exploration in diversity in outdoor education experiences.
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