| Summary: | This study examined the elements that affect the transfer of training and skills by Texas State 4-H Council members. It described the patterns of motivation and learning styles of former State 4-H Council members, as well as the demonstration of leadership life skills. This study also described the leadership experiences of former State 4-H Council members after their council year concludes.
The researcher used a purposive sampling technique to identify former members of the Texas State 4-H Council who were willing to discuss their experiences. A snowball sampling technique was used in which the members of the first group identified the remainder of the sample. There were fifteen individuals interviewed.
Traditional qualitative research methodologies were used to collect and triangulate data. These methods included interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The researcher used documented methods of dependability (dependability audit and reflexive journaling), transferability (thick description, purposive sample, and reflexive journaling), confirmability (confirmability audit and the reflexive journal), and credibility (persistent observation, triangulation, peer debriefing, member checking, and reflexive journaling) to establish trustworthiness.
The major findings of the study were as follows: 1) State 4-H Council members tend to be extrinsically motivated individuals that follow self-determining pattern of motivational needs including the needs for a sense of competence, inter-relatedness, and autonomy; 2) Eight of the State 4-H Council members demonstrated a mix of social learning theory and experiential learning theory during the years of preparation prior to attaining their State 4-H Council positions; 3) State 4-H Council members demonstrated a command of the seven leadership life skill categories; and 4) The transfer of skills and knowledge by State 4-H Council members is affected both positively and negatively by the elements of training transfer.
Recommendations include implementation of a needs assessment to determine training content and greater experiential training opportunities. The addition of personality types, gender and sensitivity training, and positive conflict resolution should be added to training agendas. State 4-H Council members should be afforded greater decision-making power, beyond that of deciding themes for state events.
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