Abstract
Title: Bridging Theory and Practice: Experiential Learning in Measurement and Evaluation Background: Experiential learning plays an important role in helping students apply classroom knowledge in real world settings. In the HHP 340 Measurement and Evaluation course at Fort Hays State University, students are taught testing protocols in class, but limited research has explored how hands-on combined experiences influence student confidence and practical skill development. This project was designed to examine whether participation in a live athletic combine improves students’ preparedness, confidence, and ability to administer performance tests effectively. Methods: A pre post design was used in HHP 340 students enrolled in Measurement and Evaluation. Students first received classroom instruction on combined testing procedures and then completed a pre practice survey. After hands-on practice days, students completed a post practice survey, followed by participation in a live combine event with high school athletes. A final post implementation survey was administered after the live event. Measures included a custom practitioner self efficacy scale, the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory 2 Revised, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, and acceptability and feasibility metrics. Results: It is expected that students will show increased self efficacy and confidence in administering combine assessments following classroom instruction, practice, and live event implementation. State anxiety is anticipated to decrease as students gain familiarity with testing procedures, while intrinsic motivation is expected to remain high due to the hands-on and applied nature of the experience. Acceptability and feasibility measures are also expected to support the value of experiential learning within the course. These findings will help determine whether live combined experiences strengthen students’ practical competence and readiness for future professional settings. Conclusion: This project is expected to demonstrate that experiential learning can help bridge the gap between theory and practice in Measurement and Evaluation. By giving students the opportunity to apply testing knowledge in a real world combined setting, the experience may improve confidence, competence, and overall preparedness. The findings could provide support for continued use of hands-on learning opportunities in HHP curriculum and offer guidance for improving future training experiences.
Faculty Advisor
Emily Washburn
Department/Program
Health and Human Performance
Submission Type
in-person poster
Date
4-8-2026
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Bertrand, Hayley; Befort, Brooke; Adams, Ty; Mesa, Derek; Camarena, M.; Stierlen, Aniya; Montney, Justin L.; and Washburn, Emily
(2026)
"Bridging Theory and Practice: Experimental Learning Measurement and Evaluation,"
SACAD: Scholarly Activities: Vol. 2026, Article 43.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2026/iss2026/43
