Factors influencing the choice of a university degree: the case of physical activity, recreation and sport tourism studies
Abstract
The aim of this research is to analyse students´ expectations that have an
influence on choosing Physical Activity, Recreation and Sport Tourism as an
academic major. According to the analysis of this research on the reasons for
choosing Fitness, Recreation and Sport Tourism studies at Sports University
of Tirana, the conclusions reached show that among multiple factors, the expectations
of having collaborative and situated learning experiences are one
of the main reasons for choosing these studies, as well as the a lot of job opportunities
that this degree offers. Methods and subjects. The final cohort
involved in this study was comprised of 320 students, of whom 35.94% were
women and 64.06% men. Almost half of the participants (48%) were aged
between,18-20 and 39% were aged between, 21-22. This article explores the
expectations that have driven students in their choice of a Leisure and Recreation
academic major, considering that if the studies match the expectations
of the students, the probability of success in the learning process will
increase. With this conceptual framework in mind, the following research
questions have been developed: 1.What are the student´s curriculum and job
expectations for choosing RFST studies? 2. In which degree can situated and
collaborative learning be found among those expectations? The third researchÂ
question refers to the level of rationality or emotionality that emerges in the
expression of the expectations. Results. Over 92% of the participants were
full-time students and 8% were part-time students. Participants are coming to
follow studies in FPAR (36.67%), for fitness instructor, (25.14%) sport tourism
guide, 13.12% rehabilitation sciences, (11.92%) touristic animator and
(13.15%) other specialities.
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