Sail Training: A Systematic Review

Authors

  • Manu Schijf 8pebbles
  • Pete Allison The Pennsylvania State University
  • Kris Von Wald The Pennsylvania State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2017-V9-I2-8230

Keywords:

youth development, sail training, experiential learning, adventure, personal and social development

Abstract

Starting around 2000, research activity about sail training increased such that there is now sufficient research on the subject to constitute a foundation upon which an emerging body of literature can be identified. The literature has the potential to be utilized to influence program design, policy, theory, and practice—a growing area of youth development practice. This systematic review of the current literature on sail training (post-2000) aims to (a) provide a single work for researchers and practitioners to consult for an overview of the current research on sail training; (b) perform a thematic analysis of the current trends for sail training research within the categories of demographic characteristics, research strategies, process, and outcomes; (c) quantify the greater discourse on sail training; and (d) suggest directions in which sail training research can go to build upon the current foundation. The main findings from this systematic review are that a limited set of methods are used in sail training research; participants experience a positive long-term effect in regard to personal and social domains; structured program design can lead to better specified outcomes; and the effects of demographic characteristics such as gender, age, or socioeconomic background remain unexplored. Much of the research is noncumulative and the related theoretical frameworks lack coherence. Subscribe to JOREL

Author Biographies

Manu Schijf, 8pebbles

Manu Schijf is is a business consultant, keen outdoor educator and an Ironman athlete.

Pete Allison, The Pennsylvania State University

Pete Allison is Associate Professor in Values and Experiential Learning at The Pennsylvania State University and The Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic

Kris Von Wald, The Pennsylvania State University

Kris Von Wald is Strategic Operations Director at the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University. 

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Published

2017-05-22

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2017)

Section

Regular Papers

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