ADVENTURE EDUCATION AND OUTWARD-BOUND - OUT-OF-CLASS EXPERIENCES THATMAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to examine the effects of adventu re programs on a diverse array of outcomes such as self-concept, locus of control, and leadership. The meta-analysis was based on 1,728 effe ct sizes drawn from 151 unique samples from 96 studies, and the averag e effect size at the end of the programs was .34. In a remarkable cont rast to most educational research, these short-term or immediate gains were followed by substantial additional gains between the end of the program and follow-up assessments (ES = .17). The effect sizes varied substantially according the particular program and outcome and improve d as the length of the program and the ages of participants increased. Too little is known, however, about why adventure programs work most effectively.