Recreational therapy students' perspectives of a class time fieldwork experience for adolescents engaged in health-risk behaviors.

This article examines recreational therapy (RT) students' perspectives on a class time fieldwork experience (CTFE) involving adolescents engaged in health-risk behaviors within an alternative education program (AEP). Using qualitative content analysis of reflections from 111 undergraduate RT students, two main themes emerged: exposure to an unfamiliar community population and recognition of personal biases and judgments toward this group. The CTFE, conducted during scheduled class time and supervised by certified faculty, provided students with opportunities to build therapeutic rapport, apply best-practice interventions, and engage in reflexivity to challenge preconceived notions. Findings suggest that CTFEs can enhance RT students' cultural competence and preparedness by facilitating experiential learning with underserved populations, while also addressing personal biases through guided reflection. The study highlights implications for RT education and practice, recommending incorporation of reflexivity and specialized training when working with adolescents exhibiting health-risk behaviors.