Post education application of category one type continuing education reported by certified foresters

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the use of continuing forestry education (CFE) for CFE reported by Society of American Foresters Certified Foresters® (CF). Potential participants consisted of all CFs with an Email address on record with SAF. Surveys were distributed to 2076 CFs. An electronic link to the survey was sent in an Email indicating the survey related to only one selected continuing education event. This event was randomly selected from those that had been stored in the Society's database. The response rate to the survey was 32.1%. Use was assessed using a self-reported single value (yes or no) and with a self-assessment score using changed stages of innovation adoption. Continuing Education (CE) use was positively correlated with length of the CE event and negatively correlated with proximity to retirement. Using a logistic regression model, use was predictable with innovation adoption score, percentage of time working full time in forestry, bringing a work related problem to the CE, receiving adoption strategies from the CE provider. The study developed and used an Internet survey adapting two surveys used in health profession research. One survey was by Ottoson and Patterson (2000) and the other was Williams, Keim, and Johnson (2004). The survey was used in combination with historical data from a database of CFE information. Over 82% of Certified Foresters reported they used their CFE. The majority of those reporting that they didn't use their education indicated they had no need to use it. Descriptive information was collected for reporting general attitudes toward CE and methods of delivery of CE events. Most Certified Foresters reported they think CE is important, is something they've always done, is needed to assure competency, and is enjoyed. There was less agreement on other preference questions. CFs generally agreed they were likely or very likely to attend lecture, workshops, seminars, and field demonstrations. The least liked CE presentation methods were academic courses, posters, distance learning, satellite, and residency programs. Slightly under half of the CFs reported they had a learning plan. Most CFs responding to the survey worked full time as field foresters.