The benefits of FFA membership as part of agricultural education

    Collection:
    Agricultural Communications Documentation Center (ACDC)
    Contributers:
    Rose, Chelsea (author), Stephens, Carrie A. (author), Stripling, Christopher (author), Cross, Tim (author), Sanok, Danielle E. (author), and Brawner, Shelby (author)
    Format:
    journal article
    Publication Date:
    2016-06-30
    URL:
    https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/936
    Published:
    USA: PKP Publishing Services
    Location:
    Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 208 Document Number: D13315
    Journal Title:
    Journal of Agricultural Education
    Journal Title Details:
    57(2) : 33–45
    Subject Term:
    agricultural education, education, primary education, youth, agriculture, FFA, agricultural leadership, experiential learning, high school, youth development, youth organizations, FFA membership, career development events, love and belonging, self-esteem, self-actualization, National FFA Organization, public school, student-led youth organization, careers in agriculture, classroom instruction, leadership education, agricultural courses, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
    Notes:
    13 pages, The study sought to identify the benefits of FFA membership based on the fulfillment of three basic human needs: love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. The study focused on the fulfillment of FFA members’ basic human needs as defined by Abraham Maslow. The three needs on which this study focused are: love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. The study found a majority of FFA members’ three basic human needs are met due to their involvement in career development events, leadership positions, and other FFA activities. Of all research questions, the highest concentration of members claimed to have a more enjoyable high school experience as a result of their membership in the FFA. Future research should focus on determining how the FFA improves the high school experience. This research could be helpful to other career and technical education organizations and future success within the FFA. Moreover, linking the relevance of meeting Maslow’s basic human needs with active participation in student organizations could assist teachers and program advisors as they recruit and retain members.

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