Trish Bradbury, Eric C. Schwarz, Andrew Lenton

Abstract: Curricular and co-curricular experiential learning has become a vital component of higher education degree programs. This study examines the evolution of experiential learning in sport management from an international perspective. Self-administered surveys were completed by 98 sport industry organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to analyze industry practitioners’ perceptions of the importance of various general education/liberal arts, business management, and sport management competencies gained through the sport management curriculum. Furthermore, it aimed to determine whether there was an optimal level of experiential learning from industry practitioners’ viewpoints. The results highlight the continued and evolving importance of experiential learning within college/university degree programs, and that experiential learning builds beneficial partnerships that prepare students to become future sport management industry practitioners.

Keywords: experiential learning, sport management curriculum, competencies, practica/internships

Citation: Bradbury, T., Schwarz, E. C., & Lenton, A. (2021). Experiential learning from an international perspective: An empirical study of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. International Journal of Sport Management, 22(1), 55-73.

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