An examination of the intersection of outdoor adventure education and teacher education

Abstract

Scant research exists investigating the intersection of outdoor adventure education and teacher education. The purpose of the current study is to explore the relationship of outdoor adventure engagement and pre-service teachers' perceptions of preparedness to teach. A sample of 209 undergraduate students enrolled in education classes competed a survey consisting of: demographic questions pertaining to outdoor adventure engagement, The 12-item Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) (Tschannen-Moran & Hoy, 2001), The Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009), and survey questions regarding preparedness to teach derived from the InTASC standards (CCSSO, 2013). A partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used to investigate this relationship and was mediated by teacher efficacy beliefs and the personality trait of grit. The results of the current study demonstrate the unique nature of outdoor adventure engagement in relation to pre-service teachers. The current study did not find significant relationships between outdoor adventure engagement and perceptions of preparedness to teach. This may be the result of a homogenous population that reported a higher than expected level of experience with outdoor adventure activities. Results from the path analysis did find significant direct effects of teacher efficacy and grit on preparedness to teach. However, the direct effect of grit on preparedness was significantly mediated by teacher efficacy. The research supports the need for more investigation of outdoor adventure education and teacher education. Additionally, the study supports the need for more investigation of healthy manifestations of grit, which may be informed through outdoor adventure education.