What Factors Contribute to Student Self-Selection of Sport Classes Compared to Outdoor Pursuit Classes at the Univeristy of Wisconsin-La Crosse?

Abstract

A qualitative study was utilized to determine the factors that led to student self-selection of two types of activity classes. Twenty-two participants (n = 22) were interviewed by the researcher to examine the reasons for each individual's choice of either a sport or outdoor pursuit class. Equal representation for type of class and sex was established. The interviews consisted of six main questions that focused on their current activity class as well as past experiences and future interests. Grounded theory, content analysis, and ad hoc meaning generation were used to analyze the data. Emergent themes included social influences, having Em, familiarity, scheduling, improving skills, and novelty. One interesting pattern that emerged was that the majority of the classes that the students mentioned for future interest were non-traditional activities. The results of this studv suggest that a variety of classes should be offered that address the various needs expressed by the participants as well as promoting additional offerings of non-traditional activity classes. These results may assist in the design and implementation of the University of Wisconsin-Lu Crosse physical education activity classes by recognizing the interests and the factors that students highlighted as being important to their self-selection of activity classes.