Attitudes toward the incorporation of a political multicultural approach into the 4-H/Youth Development program curriculum
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to document and interpret the attitudes of Indiana 4-H/Youth Development policy council board members, Extension administrators, and professionals (state and county level personnel) toward the incorporation of a political multicultural approach into the 4-H/Youth Development program curriculum. The research questions that guided and focused this study were: (1) What knowledge and beliefs do the state 4-H/Youth Development faculty and staff, 4-H/Youth Development policy council board members and 4-H/Youth Development county administrators and personnel, in four selected counties in Indiana, have regarding multicultural education? (2) What are the participants' perceptions of the existing 4-H/Youth Development curriculum as it relates to multicultural education? (3) How do the participants' beliefs and ideas about a political multicultural approach influence how the curriculum is developed, implemented, and evaluated? (4) What are the implications for policy and administration of programs as a result of the incorporation of a political multicultural approach into the 4-H/Youth Development program curriculum? Participants were interviewed and documents were collected from each county and the state 4-H office in order to understand the participants' perspectives toward the infusion of this approach. Through an examination of these data, four assertions emerged: (1) The 4-H/Youth Development program was perceived as a worthwhile experience for youth currently being served. (2) Diverse backgrounds and experiences shaped views regarding multicultural education. (3) An inclusive and shared decision-making process for curriculum design was viewed as necessary, but challenging. (4) A disparity between policy and practice was perceived. Overall, the findings revealed that attitudes must be changed before a political multicultural approach can be infused successfully into the 4-H/Youth program. A comprehensive training program including everyone from administrators to volunteer leaders must be planned and implemented. The training should emphasize building relationships, since relationships create the real structure and texture of the organization.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Russell, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Curricula|Teaching
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