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Parents' Perceptions of the Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Program in Relation to Life Skills Development

Hogue, Carrie Ann

Abstract Details

2002, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Human and Community Resource Development.
This study was designed to understand the perceptions of parents whose children were in the Ohio 4-H Cloverbud program in relation to life skills development. Specifically, the focus of this study was to explore parents’ perceptions of life skills and their children’s life skill development, program benefits, the factors contributing to the attainment of these skills and benefits, as well as parents’ perceptions of the organization and structure of the 4-H Cloverbud program facilitating the introduction and participation of members. A qualitative research design was employed. Three focus groups were conducted, one in each of three selected Ohio counties. The twelve parents who volunteered to respond to the questions composed the focus groups. Some parents were also in a role of adviser. Open coding, the process of breaking down, examining, comparing, and categorizing data, was used to analyze the data. To add to the reliability of the focus group findings, 4-H Cloverbud-related documents (written materials and a video) were reviewed and several 4-H Cloverbud-related events and activities were observed. Parents understood the concept of life skills although they may not have used the word life skills in the definition. They understood how life skills played an important role for their children’s development and how the skills are carried over into the future and would be used throughout life. Parents mentioned how life skills are in everything you do. Successful interaction, where children learn to communicate and socialize with others, was the most important life skill. Parents addressed how the program was beneficial because it is a group just for young children. Parents believed that it was important for their children to learn and to have fun while they were learning. Factors that contributed to life skills included several types of activities where the Cloverbuds engaged in learning skills together and communicating with each other. Parents agreed with how the program flexibility and non-competitive structure are good for the children. Information addressed by parents during the focus group interviews was parallel or consistent with information in 4-H Cloverbud materials and observations. Life skills were learned and developed by the children and that was important to the parents. However, only half of the parents in this study had heard of life skills in their contact with the Cloverbud program. If life skills are an important emphasis within the program, then more education and promotion is suggested. In terms of promotion, there is reason to focus on parents because they are typically the ones who determine, in a large part, what activities or clubs their children engage in. Placing an emphasis on life skills through means of training agents, volunteers, and advisers is suggested. Parents addressed different means by which they learned of the Cloverbud program. Because many know about 4-H through personal experience, developing different ways to attract those who do not know of 4-H or Cloverbuds is recommended. Future research should focus on those individuals who were involved as Cloverbuds and are current 4-H members. The Cloverbud alumni could provide their perceptions of the program relating to life skills development, the benefits, the activities that facilitated life skills, and the structure of the program. Direct observation of children participating in Cloverbud meetings and activities would provide yet another perspective.
Theresa M. Ferrari (Advisor)
Scott D. Scheer (Committee Member)
Charles R. Curtis (Committee Member)
104 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hogue, C. A. (2002). Parents' Perceptions of the Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Program in Relation to Life Skills Development [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396281092

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hogue, Carrie. Parents' Perceptions of the Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Program in Relation to Life Skills Development. 2002. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396281092.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hogue, Carrie. "Parents' Perceptions of the Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Program in Relation to Life Skills Development." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2002. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396281092

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)