ERIC Number: EJ878825
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: N/A
Contact Theory as a Framework for Experiential Activities as Diversity Education: An Exploratory Study
Seaman, Jayson; Beightol, Jesse; Shirilla, Paul; Crawford, Bart
Journal of Experiential Education, v32 n3 p207-225 2010
Participation in experiential education is said to enhance people's appreciation for diversity. This article reports on a study that found significant changes in participants' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors following a non-formal diversity education program using adventure-based and community-service activities. Additionally, hypothesized program conditions, as outlined by contact theory, were significantly predictive of outcomes, although majority and minority participants differed on their perceptions of these conditions. These findings suggest that experiential activities may be considered a viable approach to diversity education in nonformal settings, assuming key conditions are met. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Experiential Learning, Multicultural Education, Student Attitudes, Attitude Change, Cultural Pluralism, Adventure Education, Service Learning, Adolescents, Nonformal Education, Cooperation
Association for Experiential Education. 3775 Iris Avenue Suite 4, Boulder, CO 80301. Tel: 866-522-8337; Fax: 303-440-9581; e-mail: publications@aee.org; Web site: http://www.aee.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Connecticut
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A