One-Day Challenge Course Impact on Student Life Effectiveness Skills

Authors

  • Joseph P. Flood East Carolina University
  • Eric Gardner East Carolina University
  • Nelson Cooper East Carolina University

Keywords:

Challenge course, Life effectiveness skills, LEQ-H

Abstract

This study investigated the impact a one-day challenge course program

has on college student's life effectiveness skills, as measured by

the 24-item LEQ-H self-reported questionnaire. The sample population

(n=57) for this study was made up of college-aged students from

two class sections of a recreation and leisure introductory course.

Analysis of t-tests of the two pre-test (baseline and pre course) measurements

showed no significant differences in participant scores for

seven of the eight LEQ Factors. Using t-test analysis of the pre and

post (treatment phase) LEQ-H scores for female participants indicated

significant increases for all eight LEQ-H domains (time management,

social competence, achievement motivation, intellectual flexibility,

task leadership, emotional control, active initiative, and self confidence)

and for the overall LEQ score. In contrast, male participants

reported significant increases in only of one of the eight LEQ Factors

(time management). Females reported moderate to large (.619 to .845)

effect size scores and males reported small to moderate (.143 to .526)

effect size scores, demonstrating that they did receive some benefits

from participation. Results strongly suggest that a one-day challenge

course program can have a significant impact on college students',

particularly females', life effectiveness skills.

Issue

Section

Regular Papers