The Impact of Participation in an Inclusive Adventure Education Trip on Group Dynamics.

Abstract

The purpose of this ethnographic case study was to understand the impact participation in an inclusive 3-day rock climbing trip on the group dynamics seven participants ages 10-14 years that included a 13 year old male diagnosed with High Functioning Autism. The five stage model of group development (Tuckman, 1965; Tuekman & Jensen, 1977) was used as the lens to guide the design and data analysis of the study. Not withstanding the limitations of this study the findings suggest that the participants in this 3-day inclusive rock bonded as a group over the duration of the experience. The catalyst for the change in group dynamics on this trip was the explicit teambuilding session conducted by the trip leaders. Recommendations are provided to help to facilitate positive group dynamics within inclusive groups.

References
Sutherland, S., & Stroot, S. (2010). The Impact of Participation in an Inclusive Adventure Education Trip on Group Dynamics. Journal of Leisure Research, 42(1), 153. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.