Instructor cliques: A double-edged sword for hunter education?
William Siemer
Cornell University
William (Bill) Siemer is a Research Associate in the Human Dimensions Research Unit, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University. Bill has conducted research on a broad range of concepts and management issues, including wildlife-related activity involvement, wildlife damage management, and community-based deer management. Bill holds wildlife and natural resource management degrees from the University of Missouri, Michigan State University, and Cornell University. He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and Co-Editor of Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management, published by The Johns Hopkins University Press.
Abstract
Most states depend upon volunteer instructors working in small teams to deliver sportsman education (SE) classes. Although meeting demand for SE hinges on this volunteer base, little research has focused on instructor... [ view full abstract ]
Most states depend upon volunteer instructors working in small teams to deliver sportsman education (SE) classes. Although meeting demand for SE hinges on this volunteer base, little research has focused on instructor recruitment and retention. We identified motivations, experiences, expectations, and satisfactions of active and former SE instructors in New York. In 2015, we conducted a mail survey of nearly all (2,065) active instructors (1,333 completions; 65% response) and a telephone survey with a sample of former SE instructors (n=70). Active SE instructors were a dedicated group; they had been certified instructors for 19 years, on average. Team membership was a source of satisfaction for these active instructors; 82% were very satisfied with their relationship with teaching team members, more so than with any other aspect of the SE program. Approximately 90% taught with the same team every year. Prior to entering the SE program, 68% strongly expected to get along well with other instructors and 74% strongly expected to enjoy teaching with other instructors. Although they began with high expectations of team teaching, their experiences exceeded their expectations: most strongly agreed that they enjoy teaching with the instructors on their team (83%) and get along well with them (84%). Former instructors (n=70) cited multiple influences on their decision to drop out of the SE program, but key among them was being unsuccessful in gaining acceptance into a teaching team (19%). Findings suggest that teaching team formation is a double-edged sword. It is a positive influence on SE instructor recruitment and retention when a new instructor (or apprentice) finds a team to work with, but also a potential impediment when ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity creates barriers to social recruitment and retention on teaching teams. By building on social network theory, and focusing recruitment efforts on attracting teaching teams as a social unit (i.e., developing SE instructors as teams rather than individuals), agencies may be able to maintain and diversify their SE volunteer base.
Authors
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William Siemer
(Cornell University)
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Michael Quartuch
(Colorado Parks & Wildlife)
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Daniel Decker
(Cornell University)
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Richard Stedman
(Cornell University)
Topic Area
Topics: Hunting and Fishing
Session
T-1A » Hunter and Angler Satisfaction and Motivation (08:00 - Tuesday, 19th September, Assembly Hall A)
Presentation Files
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