Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1987

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agricultural Extension

Major Professor

Cecil E. Carter Jr.

Committee Members

Roy R. Lessly, Ben T. Powell

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to determine the relation-ships between Tennessee 4-H Extension Agents' opinions about awards and their use of recognition in county 4-H programs. Data were obtained from 150 county Extension 4-H Agents. Questions dealt with area of responsibility, size of county 4-H program, personal back-ground, opinions of statements relating to use of awards and competition, and actual use of awards and recognition in the county. The Chi- Square statistical test and one-way analysis of variance F test were used to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables, with the 0.05 level of probability indicating significance. Major findings of the study were: Seven out of 10 agents had themselves been 4-H Club members. The respondents were equally divided between agricultural and home economics programs. Ninety percent of the agents said that they provided recognition for individual participation at each meeting. About 70 percent said that participation in monthly contests or activities was a considera-tion in club (group) recognition. More agents scored in the 15 to 16 range out of a possible recognition usage score of 20, indicating fairly frequent usage of the four basic types of recognition: for participation, for meeting their own goal, for reaching a standard, and for peer competition. Over one-third of the agents said they utilized 100 percent of the available award medals from National 4-H Council. Over 75 percent stated that medal recipients must be a member of an organized club. Additional project medals were purchased for projects not supported by the national award program by over 75 percent of the agents. About one-third of the agents said local sponsors provided funds for those extra medals. "Four-H'ers not being enrolled in the projects " was indicated by almost 85 percent of the agents as a reason all available medals are not utilized. Eighty-six percent of the agents surveyed agreed with Tennessee's three-level system of statewide 4-H recognition (Honor Club, All-Stars, Vol State Award) as an effective recognition tool. Eighty-six percent also felt that it was important for 4-H'ers to be made aware (through recognition) how they compare to other participants in a competitive event. Less than one-third felt that "4-H'ers are easily discouraged if they do not win top awards." One half of the agents surveyed agreed with the statement "Competition in 4-H is too intense and has too much emphasis placed upon it." Almost 90 percent agreed that 4-H provides recognition opportunities for young people not readily available elsewhere. The agents basically agreed that awards increase enrollment, increase re-enrollment, motivate 4-H'ers, develop feelings of self worth, stimulate striving for success, encourage positive attitudes toward competition, and are important to most 4-H'ers. Agents' opinions of these contributions were not significantly related to area of responsibility, county 4-H enrollment, or Extension district. Agents who were former 4-H Club members tended to have a more positive attitude regarding the contribution of awards to the 4-H program. Agents using a higher percentage of their available award medals tended to have a more positive attitude about awards. Home economics agents reported using recognition for peer competition more than agricultural agents. Agents in counties with enrollments of over 1500 used recognition for participation more than agents with lower enrollments.

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