Influence of Campus Recreation Employment on Student Learning

Abstract

This study examined the influence of part-time employment at a campus recreational sports department on full-time college students' learning. The student employees indicated they attributed their experience working in a campus recreational sports department to their perceived gains in critical thinking, integrative learning, appreciation of diverse perspectives, collaboration skills, and communication skills. Students working at a campus recreational sports department were invited to complete an online survey, which was developed for this project. The questionnaire, containing rating scales and open-ended questions, captured the perceptions of change by the student employees regarding their learning. A concurrent triangulation mixed-method design was used to analyze the data. The quantitative data were analyzed using multiple regression for each of the learning outcomes and one-way ANOVA analyses were conducted to identify differences between the positions. The qualitative data were analyzed using open coding to identify themes. The data were triangulated with job recruitment materials. The student employees indicated they attributed their perceived gains in learning to their experience working in a campus recreational sports department. The multiple regression analysis resulted in two significant predictors, which included collaboration skills and communication skills. While the one-way ANOVA analyses was not able to be conducted between the positions held by the students, the results showed students attribute their experience working in a campus recreational sports department to their perceived learning in specific areas. These results demonstrate the need for more in-depth study of each of the learning outcomes to gain more thorough understanding of the impact of students who work in a campus recreation department.

Employing Students as Support Staff in Higher Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Recommendations from Careers Professionals

“…The University's Student Experience Strategy (2016-2020) affirms the positive impact employment has on student learning and graduate outcomes (Hall 2013;Coates 2015). The Strategy (2016-2020) articulates a number of actions the University will take to enhance the student experience, including highlighting "the value of participation in the holistic student experience through volunteering, overseas experiences, employment, and work-integrated learning" and the graduate experience through "supporting the student to transition to employment and work-based opportunities" (University of Tasmania 2016, pp.…”

Collegiate Recreation Student Employee as Student Leader

“…There is a growing body of research assisting practitioners in understanding the connection between student employment and college student development (Astin, 1984;Salisbury, Pascarella, Padgett, & Blaich, 2012). In addition, there is research focused directly on college students working in collegiate recreation environments (Hall, 2013;Johnson, Kaiser, & Bell, 2012;Kellison & James;2011;Miller & Grayson, 2006;Wallace Carr, 2005) as well as literature on student employment and leadership development (Luzzo, 1999;Perozzi, 2009).…”

“…Collegiate recreation departments are a prime location on campus for student leadership development of college students by providing an environment to study a large number of student employees in a unique setting (Hall, ). As practitioners, it is necessary to know that there is not one leadership program, training, or initiative that fits all.…”

Heightening Leader Development for Student Staff in College and University Recreational Sports Departments

“…Recreational Sports Departments deliver outstanding programs that develop and/or refine the recreational skills and interests of the campus community and enrich the student experience (Forrester 2014). Some authors (Dugan et al 2014, Hall 2013 have documented the merits of these programs and their undeniable role in student recruitment, retention, preparation, and enrichment. Campus officials also know the value of the campus recreational sport programs and facilities.…”

“…Recreation and fitness facilities are usually "can't miss" stops on campus tours, and are prominently featured in electronic and print student recruitment materials. However, an area that doesn't get enough attention is the invaluable leadership development opportunities that students garner from assuming leadership roles in these programs (Dugan et al 2015, Hall 2013.…”