Motivational factors related to youth performance in a horticulture career development event

Amy Jo Jones, Purdue University

Abstract

Youth-serving organizations offer out-of-school activities to provide youth opportunities with competency development and competitions that allow youth to explore various careers and contexts. Though this competitive aspect can increase youth motivation, it may also expose youth to experiences and pressure that lead to negative consequences. It is important to know what motivates youth to participate in free-choice activities and whether those experiences are meeting youth’s expectations and preparing them for future career opportunities. The purpose of this study was to explore youth’s knowledge, motivation and educational experiences and to describe the relationships between youth motivation, coach motivation, learning and preparation, and youth’s performance in a competitive, out-of-school horticultural career development event. This study was a census (n = 59) of all youth participants in the senior division (i.e., Grades 9-12) and their coaches (n = 7) at the 2010 Indiana 4-H/FFA Horticulture Career Development Event (CDE). Youth and coaches filled out questionnaires upon completion of the event. Youth questionnaires were designed to measure youth motivation, learning resources and preparation time, as well as demographics. Coach questionnaires included coach motivation for having youth participate, learning resources and preparation time with their youth, and demographics. The dependent variable of horticultural competencies was assessed with three examinations: a general horticulture knowledge exam, an identification exam, and a product evaluation assessment. There were three salient conclusions of this study. First, youth were motivated to participate in a competitive horticulture career development event and that motivation was related to performance of horticultural competencies. Second, coaches’ motivation was related to youth motivation and youth performance of horticulture competencies. Third, time spent preparing for the horticulture career development event and learning resources used by youth were related to youth’s overall performance of horticultural competencies. However, youth did not perform horticultural competencies at a level required to be a certified horticulture manager or technician in the horticulture industry. The results of this study suggest that coaches serve an important role in youth motivation and competency-building, and organizations with out-of-school competitive events that build career development should ensure their programs are aligned with university coursework and industry certifications so youth in their organizations are building competencies to prepare them for future occupations. It was suggested that this study be continued to other contexts and youth-serving organizations, that more exploratory research be carried out, and that studies reflecting impact be conducted.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Orvis, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Agricultural education

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