# Research on Adventure Education

## Adventure Education Impact

Joonyoung Lee and Tao Zhang, "[The impact of adventure education on students' learning outcomes in PE: A systematic review](https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1216911.pdf)", JTRM in Kinesiology, 5/18/2019, ISSN 0778-3906

* Reviewed research between 1976 and 2018; selected 11 articles 
* Explored PE teachers' perspectives toward AE in PE
* Overall conclusion: AE benefits learning outcomes such as peer relationship and emotion
* Specific results include
  * Greater increase of physical activity
  * Lower MVPA in AE than traditional PE (moderate to vigorous physical activity)
  * Increase in self-concept (social acceptance, behavioral conduct, happiness and satisfaction, ...) but that may decay over time months after the program
  * Increase in perceived behavioral conduct
  * Decrease depressive symptoms and anxiety levels; increase self-esteem
  * Increase in group dynamics; more cohesive group
  * Increase in social and emotional learning outcomes
  * Increase in resilience

[Rationale for Adventure-Based Learning](https://www.malode.com/uploads/rationale-for-adventure-based-learning.pdf), for Safe Schools/Health Students grant awarded to Black Oak Mine Unified School District

* Includes discussion of liability. Emphasis is on preparedness and risk mitigation, as well as providing information to students and parents and having signed waivers.

## Project Adventure Effects

[The Impact of Project Adventure on the Self Concept of Adolescents](https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5082\&context=etd), thesis from 1981 by Sandra I. Jerstad, SD State. High school students evaluated before and after a Project Adventure course

* Boys experienced enhanced self concept
* Girls had a lower self concept!

Shaked, Nava, "[The effect of "Project Adventure" on self-esteem of learning disabled students](https://rdw.rowan.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3288\&context=etd)" (1995). Theses and Dissertations. 2290.

* 22 regular education and 11 lerning disabled students
* 9 week Project Adventure program
* Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory
* No significant change in self-esteem. Some individuals much higher; some much lower.

Quimby, Thomas R., "[The effect of Project Adventure on selected affective and psychomotor outcomes](https://www.proquest.com/openview/111e35a79294229a88607efe8ab36828/1?pq-origsite=gscholar\&cbl=18750\&diss=y)," BU, School of Education 1982.

* Questions were (1) does PA have a different effect on self-concept and fitness than regular PE class? and (2) does PA affect boys differently than girls?
* Results:
  * PA can show significant affective gains within a wilderness immersion
  * There are no significant differences between boys and girls
  * Regular PE teachers can be trained to conduct a PA curriculum
  * Children reflect positively on PA experience