Behavior Change After Adventure Education Courses

Abstract

In this case study, a mixed-method approach is used to examine the extent and type of changes in workplace attitudes and behavior, as self-reported by soldiers who had participated in 6- to 10-day “Experiential Leadership Development Activities” (ELDAs) delivered by the New Zealand Army Leadership Centre. Observations made by workplace colleagues of ELDA participants corroborated the self-report data, both reports being made on an average of 4 months after a course. The findings indicated that almost all participants (97%) perceived improvements in their own attitude and/or behavior, the main changes being in the areas of “improvements in dealing with challenges” and “having a more positive attitude.” Most colleagues (87%) also noticed some improvement in behaviors, in similar areas. This mixed-method evaluation provides evidence of the benefits of adventure education courses, both prescribed and unpredicted outcomes, enhancing intra- and interpersonal skills in the workplace.