American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

Issue: April 2009

Journal Assignments for Student Reflections on Outdoor Programs
Amy Gregg

Abstract: Recreation professionals use outdoor programs in rustic settings to promote the intellectual, physical, emotional, and professional development of their students. One important aspect of personal growth is to develop the ability to think critically about one's own learning, and journaling is one approach for achieving this goal. Outdoor programs conducted away from the classroom teach students about current environmental issues and outdoor recreation management. Journal assignments can encourage students to develop critical-thinking skills as they reflect on the goals and outcomes associated with outdoor programs and the field-based components of their courses. This article discusses three themes for journal assignments with students: (1) academic learning, (2) group dynamics, and (3) personal growth and development.

Article category: Leisure and recreation