ERIC Number: EJ971458
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: N/A
Future Paradigm or False Idol: A Cautionary Tale of Evidence-Based Practice for Adventure Education and Therapy
Harper, Nevin J.
Journal of Experiential Education, v33 n1 p38-55 Sum 2010
Evidence-based practice is an approach that narrowly classifies research results by utilising a hierarchy of evidence. This process renders much available knowledge and experience redundant within its value structure. Currently a dominating ideology across medical and health fields, evidence-based practice is now being promoted in adventure education and therapy (activity-based practices steeped in outdoor and experiential learning). In this paper, I challenge the evidence-based practice paradigm and its relationship to adventure education and therapy. I suggest that evidence-based practice ideology, guided by political and economic forces, may be detrimental to the development of a long-term, multifaceted, and meaningful research agenda. Critical dialogue between academics and practitioners in adventure education and therapy is advised, and caution offered to those entering the evidence-based paradigm. (Contains 2 tables and 2 footnotes.)
Descriptors: Evidence, Adventure Education, Educational Research, Models, Ideology, Experiential Learning, Therapy, Theory Practice Relationship, Political Influences, Performance Factors, Economic Factors, Efficiency, Program Effectiveness, Educational Philosophy, Criticism
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 - Descriptive
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A