Date of Award:

8-2024

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Environment and Society

Committee Chair(s)

Roslynn McCann

Committee

Roslynn McCann

Committee

Tyson Sorensen

Committee

Wayne Freimund

Committee

Rebecca G. Lawver

Committee

Gustavo Ovando-Montejo

Abstract

The 4-H Thriving Model outlines how a foundation for youth sparks, belonging, and relationships can lead to short and long-term outcomes. This study explored how high school teachers in Utah integrate the elements of the foundation of the 4-H Thriving Model in environmental science and natural resources management classroom teaching. A mixed method of interviews and surveys was used to understand teaching practices. Teachers described helping students discover their interests (sparks), nurturing these interests, and linking them to careers using methods like guest speakers, field trips, contests, and student presentations. They also worked on creating a sense of belonging in their classrooms and building positive relationships with students. Science and career and technical education teachers had different teaching approaches, with career and technical education teachers using a specific model tailored to teaching models outlined by this discipline. Despite these differences, both types of teachers positively influenced students, fostering career awareness and preparing them for future academic and career success in natural resources management and environmental science.

Checksum

734b4e0c3d7bf8e1887449df2bbfd306

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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