Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility through a Mountain Biking After-School Program

Authors

• Kayla Marsh, University of WyomingFollow
• Kelly L. Simonton, University of WyomingFollow
• Victoria Shiver, University of New MexicoFollow
• Tristan Wallhead, University of WyomingFollow

Abstract

The Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model has been identified as an evidence-based structure that can support social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies in after-school settings. However, much of the research includes general physical fitness and skill activity-based programs, and not activities students identify with as meaningful in their lives. The current study targeted a mountain biking afterschool-program which has the potential to promote meaningful transfer of knowledge and skills. The purpose of this study was two-fold: (a) to explore adolescents’ beliefs and understandings of SEL skills in a mountain biking TPSR program and (b) to explore the perceptions of potential transfer of SEL skills beyond the mountain-biking program. The participants (N=11; male middle school students) participated in a pre-designed after-school program that took place for eight weeks, twice a week, with a focus on learning mountain biking skills and riding knowledge. The TPSR model provided structure across the two weekly sessions targeting SEL competencies. This mixed-methods study included weekly focus group interviews and pre-post surveys that served to supplement and triangulate qualitative findings. Findings include three themes: (a) development of social emotional understanding, (b) application and reflection of social emotional skills, and (c) understanding of transfer methods. Survey mean trends aligned with previous work showing initial naïve self-perceptions regarding SEL skills and response-shift bias potential, which was in-line with qualitative findings. Overall, targeting a specific lifetime activity like mountain biking can both support SEL development and great potential for transfer beyond afterschool programs.

Recommended Citation

Marsh, Kayla; Simonton, Kelly L.; Shiver, Victoria; and Wallhead, Tristan (2026) "Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility through a Mountain Biking After-School Program," Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 21: Iss. 3, Article 19.
Available at: https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol21/iss3/19