Date of Graduation

11-11-2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA)

Abstract

One hundred and ninety-one volunteer Girl Scout leaders at a midsize northern California council participated in this study to determine the most and least valuable aspects of their new leader training, which was based on Kolb's experiential learning model (1984). The following were the top five aspects that leaders identified as most valuable: (a) trainer's knowledge; (b) using Safety-wise; (c) where to buy Girl Scout supplies; (d) Girl Scout Promise and Law; and (e) information on council events. The top five aspects which respondents identified as least valuable were: (a) troop government; (b) age-appropriate behavior; (c) performing ceremonies; (d) getting to know other leaders; and (e) where to find ongoing support.

The original four hypotheses were developed in an attempt to explain why leaders may identify certain aspects of their training as more or less valuable. Five of the 22 aspects of the Basic Leader Training showed statistical significance supporting three of the four original hypotheses. Two post-survey hypotheses were developed in an attempt to explain the high percentage of respondents who reported certain aspects were not included in their Basic Leader Training. Nine of the 22 aspects ofBasic Leader Training showed statistical significance supporting the post-survey hypotheses.

Up to this point in time, there has never been a comprehensive study conducted to gather, analyze, and compare leaders' opinions after they were able to apply what they had learned through Basic Leader Training. The findings in this study are important because new leaders who have applied what they have learned through Basic Leader Training provided meaningful feedback for improving the new leader training course, which will ultimately improve the quality of the Girl Scout experience.

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