Dr. Stuhr is a professor (full) in Kinesiology with a research frame that encompasses the area of social and emotional learning (SEL). He has over 20 years working in the field of sport pedagogy and teaches courses related to social-emotional health and physical education teacher education. His current research focus centers on K-16 student learning associated with adventure-based learning and mindfulness practices.
To view Dr. Stuhr's publications please view his Curriculum Vitae.
For more on Dr. Stuhr's teaching and research please view his Research Colloquim video here.
To view students in-action with ABL view Dr. Stuhr's YouTube Channel.
Dr. Stuhr currently has focused his research line on reflective practices within an adventure-based learning (ABL) model. ABL consists of highly structured physical activities with periods of reflection (i.e., debrief) that help promote personal and social development of the participants who take part in the experiential experiences. ABL has been primarily used in K-16 to help students develop intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, yet the versatility of this model and its focus on enhancing social skills makes it excellent content for any program looking to enhance participant relationship skills (e.g., building community, cooperation, communication, trust, and problem solving).
Dr. Stuhr has conducted over 100 national, state, and local presentations. He has over 70 peer-reviewed research, practitioner, and invited publications (manuscripts, book chapters, published abstracts). Dr. Stuhr has collaborated with several local, non-profit community groups (including K-12 schools) in delivering ABL to promote relationship skills – during this time, documenting how this curriculum promotes supportive learning communities and SEL.
Dr. Stuhr is as a Research Fellow of SHAPE America. SHAPE America helps to empower all children to lead healthy and active lives through effective health and physical education programs. Fellow status is reserved for members who have made significant and sustained contributions to research, creative activity, scholarship, and other related services to their mission.
Dr. Stuhr’s research focuses on student outcomes associated with ABL and mindfulness, specifically exploring how cooperative learning, group processing, and contemplative practices impact the lived-experience. ABL consists of highly structured physical activities with periods of deep reflection that help promote personal and social development of the participants who take part in the experiences. The versatility of this model positions participant enhancement of human relationship skills. Dr. Stuhr also conducts research on contemplative pedagogy (mindfulness practices) and has infused it into the ABL wave. Dr. Stuhr hopes that by using mindfulness students can reap psychological richness and rediscover the transformative power of wonder and joy in the learning process.