The Initial Evaluation of an Experiential Learning Project Using Kaufman's Evaluation Framework

Background: Entry-level health, kinesiology, and sport professionals, such as certified therapeutic recreation specialists and sport managers, are often required to adapt programming or provide education related to this topic. As a result, it is important to practice these skills prior to entering the work force. There is limited research to identify the impact of experiential programs in which students encounter adaptive programming or adaptive sport awareness. Purpose: The purpose of this initial comprehensive evaluation was to determine if a student-led seated volleyball project created an avenue for recreational therapy (RT) and sport management (SM) students to develop skills in education, planning, and implementation of adaptive programming. Methods: This initial comprehensive evaluation used a qualitative-dominant complementary mixed methods approach to gather perspectives from student learners and identified the motivation level of student participants, spectators, and volunteers. Findings: Findings identified comprehensive learning for students across all five levels of Kaufman's framework as well as high participation engagement and perceived value. Implications: These findings provide preliminary implications for future adapted sport awareness projects within university settings to help develop student competencies as well as serve others.