Educational value of orienteering in higher education physical education: perceptions and experiences of college students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55040/rvda5686Keywords:
orienteering, physical education, outdoor adventure education, student perceptions, PATHFitAbstract
Orienteering is an outdoor and adventure-based activity that combines navigation, map reading, route planning, and decision-making while promoting physical, cognitive, and social development. Despite its documented educational benefits, its integration into higher education physical education programs in the Philippines remains limited. This study aimed to examine college students' perceptions of orienteering as a component of the Physical Activity Toward Health and Fitness (PATHFit) program in terms of the mechanics of the activity, perceived safety, facilities and equipment, enjoyment, and general acceptability. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. The participants consisted of 250 college students enrolled in a state university in the Philippines who had participated in orienteering activities. Data were collected using a validated researcher-developed questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of α = 0.844 and an open-ended survey question. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and median values, while qualitative responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed generally favorable perceptions across all dimensions of orienteering. The highest ratings were observed for general acceptability (M = 3.68), mechanics of the activity (M = 3.67), and enjoyment (M = 3.60), while perceived safety obtained the lowest, yet still favorable, mean score (M = 3.43). The qualitative analysis generated four major themes: positive learning experiences, the significance of the experience in students' lives, challenges encountered during participation, and strategies that facilitated successful engagement. Students highlighted the physical, cognitive, and social benefits of orienteering while acknowledging challenges related to fatigue, navigation, and safety. The integration of the quantitative and qualitative findings indicates that orienteering is an engaging, meaningful, and acceptable educational activity that supports holistic student development and represents a valuable component of higher education physical education curricula.
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