Research Insights: Applying Research to Your Work and Life
The AEE Journal of Experiential Education Webinar Series
Research Insights: Applying Research to Your Work and Life
Ever wondered how the latest research can actually help you in your work? Each session in this webinar series will introduce you to a different Journal of Experiential Education (JEE) published researcher, who will take you on a deep-dive into their research article and provide key takeaways and practical strategies to incorporate into your work. This series is open to all, you do not need to have prior research knowledge or a specific education level to participate and learn.
Hosted by Joanna Bettmann Schaefer, Ph.D, LCSW | Editor in Chief of the JEE, Professor at The University of Utah College of Social Work
SESSION 1 | Wednesday, February 19th | 8-9PM ET
Paddling Towards Change: Examining Student Perspectives on Power and Place Through a Border Region Canoe Trip
Guest Researcher: Anthony Deringer, Ed.D.
Free for AEE Members | $10 Non-members
Learn How Current Research in the Journal of Experiential Education (JEE) Is Relevant to You and Your Work.
*can't make the live webinar? This event will be recorded!
Research Article Background: Problematic trends have been identified with student travel that perpetuate hierarchies of power in outdoor recreation. Little research has examined the impact of bias, racism, or political national meta-narratives regarding immigration and people crossing the border on students who enter areas where cultural differences exist. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand how a place-based outdoor recreation experience impacted students’ understanding of recreational experiences on a trip in the border region of Texas. Methodology/Approach: Using a constructivist qualitative approach, the researchers provided a group of college students with place-based lessons about the Texas and Mexico border prior to and during a canoe trip along the border. The team then conducted semi-structured interviews to understand student experiences. Findings/Conclusions: The findings from this project suggest that place-based lessons may have helped students refute faulty meta-narrative, humanize cultural others, and induce sympathy for fellow travelers in the region. Implications: This project has implications for environmental educators who are teaching in places where power differentials exist between students and local people. Educators may find place-based education to be a useful tool in preparing students to learn in a non-extractive way.
AEE Members can read every research article in the JEE for free! Find your link in your member compass.
Dr. Deringer is an Assistant Professor at Texas State University in the Recreation Administration division. Prior to academia, Dr. Deringer led backpacking, climbing, and river trips and was the administrator for several outdoor recreation programs. His work experience inspired him to conduct research in the area of human interactions with nature. Recent research project topics include mindfulness in outdoor recreation, nature connection, and virtual nature experiences.