“Riding the rip”: an experiential and integrated human–physical geography curriculum in Costa Rica

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2015

Publication Title

Journal of Geography in Higher Education

Volume

39

Issue

4

First Page

527

Keywords

Costa Rica, experiential learning, fieldwork, study abroad

Last Page

542

Abstract

Integrating research into short-term study abroad programs is challenging because of language, fieldwork logistics, and traditional learning models based on passive classroom experiences. Experiential learning often makes use of research as experience, but relatively few examples integrate human and physical geography. Here, we describe an experiential and integrated human–physical undergraduate geography curriculum in Costa Rica. We combine rip current morphodynamics, beach-user surveys, and cultural landscape in a 3-week program in Costa Rica. Emotions associated with the direct and indirect experience of “riding the rip” positively influenced the cognitive domain of student learning. © 2015 Taylor & Francis.

DOI

10.1080/03098265.2015.1084497

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