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TurnerCassieLuAnn2002 cmr.pdf (1.14 MB)

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Adolescents' Perceptions of Motivation, Participation and Commitment at Adventure Central, A 4-H Afterschool Program

Turner, Cassie LuAnn
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1406821312

Abstract Details

2002, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Human and Community Resource Development.
The purpose of this study was to explore adolescents' membership experiences at Adventure Central, a 4-H after-school program. Adolescents’ reasons for joining the program, continuing to participate, and the extent of their commitment to the program were examined. In addition, the youths’ perceptions of possible barriers to attending the program and ideal after-school program characteristics were explored. The participants' perceptions were fundamental to answering the research questions, therefore, a descriptive approach was designed. In addition to a portion of a quantitative survey, qualitative interviews and focus groups were utilized. The convergence of these three methods added strength to the study by providing a multiple method triangulation. As well, two peer reviewers reviewed the data analysis for reliability. Seven youth, all members of the same group, qualified as participants in the study. There were five girls and two boys ranging in age from 11 to 13 years old. Each participant had been attending Adventure Central for at least one year. Several themes emerged pertaining to why adolescents joined and continued to participate at Adventure Central. Adult encouragement and program opportunities (specific activities and homework assistance) were the two main themes that emerged for joining Adventure Central. For continued participation, these themes were expanded to include a caring relationship with an adult, academic assistance, the environment of the program (physical and psychosocial), additional program opportunities, fun, friends, learning, and character development. In relation to characteristics of an ideal after-school program the environment, academic assistance, fun, and life skills emerged as themes. Examining crosscutting themes related to joining, continued participation, and an ideal program, academic support emerged as a theme in all three questions. Other themes including the environment, adult support, fun, and program opportunities, cut across two of the three research questions. In addition, barriers to participation were identified. The themes that emerged included individuals’ perceptions of the program, other activities outside of the program, and personal responsibilities outside of the program. Adolescents indicated a high sense of commitment to the program. They conceived of commitment as a promise, spending time, belonging, attending, and staying dedicated to the program. Specific activities and experiences were cited as reasons youth established and maintained their membership at Adventure Central. Aspects of these same activities and experiences may also lead to potential barriers to participation in the future. Exploring and utilizing the youths’ interests in programming may be a way to address these barriers and to further increase the adolescents' sense of commitment to Adventure Central. Implications for practice and future research are also offered.
Theresa M. Ferrari (Advisor)
Scott D. Scheer (Committee Member)
Dawn Anderson-Butcher (Committee Member)
113 p.
Recreation

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Citations

  • Turner, C. L. (2002). Adolescents' Perceptions of Motivation, Participation and Commitment at Adventure Central, A 4-H Afterschool Program [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1406821312

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Turner, Cassie. Adolescents' Perceptions of Motivation, Participation and Commitment at Adventure Central, A 4-H Afterschool Program. 2002. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1406821312.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Turner, Cassie. "Adolescents' Perceptions of Motivation, Participation and Commitment at Adventure Central, A 4-H Afterschool Program." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2002. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1406821312

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1406821312
258
© 2002, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.