ERIC Number: EJ1153280
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Aug
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1077-5315
EISSN: N/A
Prevalent Approaches to Professional Development in State 4-H Programs
Smith, Martin H.; Worker, Steven M.; Schmitt-McQuitty, Lynn; Meehan, Cheryl L.; Lewis, Kendra M.; Schoenfelder, Emily; Brian, Kelley
Journal of Extension, v55 n4 Article 4RIB2 Aug 2017
High-quality 4-H programming requires effective professional development of educators. Through a mixed methods study, we explored professional development offered through state 4-H programs. Survey results revealed that both in-person and online delivery modes were used commonly for 4-H staff and adult volunteers; for teen volunteers, in-person delivery was most common. Additionally, most professional development efforts were characterized as episodic, expert-led, and group-based (traditional approaches); the least common approaches were described as ongoing, learner-centered, and group-based (reform-based approaches). Interview data supported survey findings. Traditional approaches to professional development are considered ineffective; thus, the implementation of more reform-based professional development opportunities is recommended.
Descriptors: Extension Education, State Programs, Interviews, Educational Change, Faculty Development, Volunteers, Educational Quality, Mixed Methods Research, Online Surveys, Teacher Attitudes, Profiles, Telecommunications, Delivery Systems, Teacher Collaboration, Active Learning, Constructivism (Learning), Teaching Methods
Extension Journal, Inc. e-mail: joe-ed@joe.org; Web site: http://www.joe.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A