Overview
Outward Bound has committed to a long-term process of research and assessment. This process is organized and managed through the Outward Bound Training Institute (OBTI). Input regarding processes and decisions is gathered from key liaisons representing all course areas, as well as from an external advisory committee made up of professional researchers and academics. When fully implemented, OB research will encompass all courses and students.
Purpose and Goals
Establish that Outward Bound is reaching our educational outcomes as defined in the new Educational Framework
Collect objective data to inform program related decisions
Align and collaborate with the academic experiential education community
Be an active contributor to research in the outdoor industry
Process
Pre and Post tests (on paper) will be administered to students by instructors
Longitudinal assessment will be administered electronically
Data will be analyzed by research professionals using statistical analysis software (SPSS)
Results will be posted on the public OB Research webpages
Fidelity
Fidelity is “adherence to program design in amount and quality”.
OB Research, the OB Core Training Curriculum, the OB Staff Manual and OB Course Syllabi are all directly tied to the Outward Bound Educational Framework. This Framework is the basis for design and implementation of all courses.
Advisory Committee
Guides the planning and implementation of Outward Bound's research and assessment initiative by advising staff on credible methods for gathering and analyzing objective evidence of program success. For additional information regarding the members of the advisory committee, click here.
Timelines
2008 Summer/Fall: Beta-test of research instrument and logistics with samples of all OB populations
2008 Winter: Analysis of data; validity and reliability testing of instrument; modification of instrument as necessary
2009 Spring/Summer/Fall: Beta-test #2 with a much larger sample of students
2009 Winter: Second round analysis of data; validity and reliability testing of instrument; modification of instrument as necessary
2010: System and logistics in place for all courses and students
2010 and beyond: continued modification and testing of instrument; publication of results
