An experiential learning-teaching model in recreation studies: reflections on implementation

Abstract

The recreation profession is a fast-growing, diverse, career field, creating unique challenges for academic institutions in preparing students. Not all the skills and competencies (graduate attributes) needed by entry-level recreation professionals can be achieved through academic curricula in classroom settings. Experiential learning pedagogy may address these challenges for recreation education. The Twin-Cycle Experiential Learning model (TCELM) can incorporate field- and classroom-based experiential learning into degree programmes. The purpose of this article is to investigate the experience of students in a recreation module that implemented an adapted TCELM. A holistic single-case is reported with qualitative data including student reflections, lecturer reflections and focus group interviews, subject to inductive coding. The merit of both cycles of the TCELM in student learning was examined. Group work and time management were two factors identified that may challenge the implementation of experiential learning. However, both these factors contribute to the development of essential skills for the workplace. It was concluded that the adapted TCELM is practically implementable within a recreation module at a higher education institution. However, attention should be given to student expectations, active learning opportunities and the time spent on experiential learning activities.