Environmental interpretation provides visitors with positive experiences in nature while managing their impacts. Existing research has concentrated on the influence of interpretive programs on visitor knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. Little empirical research exists on how visitors perceive their environment. In this research we examine the…

Leadership in Leisure Services (AHSC 361) is the most experiential class offered to students majoring in Recreation and Leisure Studies at Concordia University in Montreal. One interactive feature of this required course is a multi-part assignment that deals with group facilitation, personal introspection, and evaluation. This "Assignment…

In a university context, peer assisted learning (PAL) refers to students supporting the learning of other students. While PAL is used extensively in health and medical sciences fields to enhance student learning, there are few examples of how it has been incorporated within recreation education contexts. The purpose of this study was to examine…

This paper discusses use of a scaffolded videomaking assignment to encourage students to engage with new literacies -- creation of media that blends text, sound, and imagery -- to expand the range through which students demonstrate knowledge and application of philosophical concepts in everyday Therapeutic Recreation (TR) practice. Technology is…

Due to the popularity of sport, the need to have sport management programs that properly train practitioners is justified (Pedersen & Thibault, 2014). However, with 505 sport management bachelors programs worldwide ("Degrees in Sports," n.d.) housed in various academic units, there is little consistency within the field of study.…

The recreation sector is continually challenged to make good decisions related to program delivery, facility development, and resource allocation. Planning is a tool that can set in motion better decision making. For many recreation professionals, some aspect of planning, whether that be developing, implementing, or evaluating a plan, fall within…

Many recreation and leisure professionals are looking for opportunities to upgrade their skills and knowledge in the context of their work. For some professionals that involves returning to post-secondary education. Yet, most undergraduate degree programs are designed in formats for students who are assumed to have little prior professional…

Many adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience challenges in social competence. Evidence suggests that specialized summer camps with social skills training may have positive outcomes on social competence development in adolescents with ADHD. This article reports on a pilot study of a therapeutic summer camp…

This research project explored students' and community practitioners' experiences of community-based experiential education and, in particular, the characteristics of such experiences that are key to creating meaningful learning opportunities. Through focus groups with current undergraduate students in recreation programs at Dalhousie University,…

In undergraduate courses, case studies are often used to bring material to life for students in ways that allow them to connect theory to applied practice. Case studies can be of particular use in Therapeutic Recreation courses, where students are able to obtain a glimpse into the complex thinking that must occur when working with participants…

Several recent studies have shown that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are less physically active than their typically developing peers and are thus at risk of health problems associated with inactivity (e.g., obesity or diabetes). There is a need to examine the effectiveness of interventions such as swimming that are aimed at…