National survey of extension 4-H professionals' Perceptions of professional development factors

Abstract

Our study describes factors that influence Extension 4-H professionals' likelihood of participating in a professional development experience. We used a work group-developed survey to measure the level of influence of nine factors. Through convenience sampling, we obtained 558 responses from 4-H professionals representing all regions of the country and multiple job roles. Cost, location, networking, personal needs, and time were strongly influential. Differences related to job role and years of job experience existed. Our major recommendation is that those creating professional development experiences for 4-H professionals consider both the major influential factors involved and factors of adult development, such as the need for self-directed learning.