The Influence of a Five-Day Adventure-based Experience on International Students’ Perceptions of Self-Effectiveness: A Case Study
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a five-day adventure-based experience on international students’ perceptions of life effectiveness and to determine the perceived changes qualitatively in the eight dimensions of life effectiveness. This study used a case study research design and examined the perceptions and experiences of sixteen students of Master’s in Outdoor Education at a Swedish university. Participants were interviewed after two weeks. After approximately one and a half months, two focus groups were conducted with the participants. The study concluded that a five-day adventure-based experience had little effect on international students’ self-perceptions of personal capabilities and qualities. The factors identified were poor planning and the presence of already skillful and self-efficacious persons and multicultural groups. However, it was identified that cultural factors might have contributed to some of the international students’ perceptions of their self-effectiveness. Cultural identities may have worked as a powerful filter through which the adventure-based experience was interpreted
Authors
Dr. Yaar Muhammad
Assistant Professor, Department of Education, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Dr. Sajid Masood
Assistant Professor, Department of Education, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Dr. Faisal Anis
Assistant Professor, Department of Education, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Keywords
Adventure, Case Study, International Students, Life Effectiveness, Perceptions