Katherine Soule

How Group Experience Affects Outcomes from NOLS Programs: A Means-End Investigation.

Using means-end theory, this study evaluates how being part of a group influences outcomes of National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) participants. This study examines outcomes from NOLS courses during the summer of 2006 in the Wind River Mountain Range of Wyoming. Immediately following 2006 course completion, a convenience sample of 345 individuals participated in semi-structured, in-person interviews. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 with a portion of the 2006 interview participants.

A Four-Year Follow-Up of Means-End Outcomes from Outdoor Adventure Programs.

Means-end theory was used to analyze differences in outcomes from original interviews and follow-up interviews occurring four years after Outward Bound (OB) and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) 2006 course participation. In 2006, a semi-structured, in-person interview was conducted after participants (N = 510) completed their course. In 2010, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted from a convenience sample of the original participants (N = 200). Results of this study show how OB and NOLS programs continued to increase participant self-respect/esteem/confidence, impart transferable lessons and skills, and provide a sense of self-awareness four years after course participation. Understanding such participant outcomes allows program managers to effectively market programs, comprehend relationships between program attributes and participant outcomes, and design programs for specific outcomes.

Longitudinal Participant Outcomes Associated with Outward Bound and National Outdoor Leadership School: A Means-End Investigation

Abstract: Means-end theory was used to analyze differences in outcomes from original and follow-up interviews occurring over the three subsequent years after Outward Bound (OB) and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) course participation. In 2006, a semi-structured, in-person interview was conducted after participants (N=510) completed their course. In 2007, 2008, and 2009, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of original participants. Results of this study show how OB and NOLS programs continue to increase participant self-respect, self-esteem, and self-confidence, provide a sense of accomplishment, and impart transferable lessons and skills three years after course participation. Understanding such participant outcomes allows program managers to effectively market programs, comprehend relationships between program attributes and participant outcomes, and design programs for specific outcomes.

Money Talks Series: Tackling Taxes

Author(s): Soule, Katherine E; Swanson, Patti C Wooten | Abstract: This publication is part of the Tackling Taxes teen guide in the Money Talks series of publications.