Motivation for enrolling in school-based agricultural education expressed by CAFNR freshmen students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to describe the motivational factors of current CAFNR freshmen student who enrolled in school-based agricultural education, and 2) compare the motivational factors to selected characteristics of CAFNR freshmen students. The theoretical framework used as a basis for this study was McClelland's Acquired Needs Theory, that humans are motivated by their need for achievement, power and/or affiliation. The CAFNR Freshmen Questionnaire was distributed via email to current freshmen students in CAFNR who indicated membership in FFA on their scholarship application (N = 127). A total of 53 (48.86%) completed the instrument. Overall, students reported achievement, power and affiliation as motivational factors. Results indicated that the motivational factors of achievement, power, and affiliation vary little in terms of home setting and courses taken in high school Female students displayed a higher need for power, than their male counterparts.