An Analysis of the Illinois Commercial and Public Pesticide Applicator and Operator Certification Training Program
Pearson, Stephen Lloyd
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/69107
Description
Title
An Analysis of the Illinois Commercial and Public Pesticide Applicator and Operator Certification Training Program
Author(s)
Pearson, Stephen Lloyd
Issue Date
1987
Department of Study
Education
Discipline
Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Education, Agricultural
Education, Vocational
Abstract
Pesticide training programs for commercial and public applicators and operators have been conducted in Illinois, by agricultural specialists of the University of Illinois Extension Service since 1966. The purpose of the educational programs is to provide applicators and operators with information regarding the proper use of pesticides and thus avoid misuse and accidents.
This dissertation addresses the lack of data available for the coordinators of the training programs to derive short and long term objectives for present and future pesticide applicator training programs.
This study consisted of three phases. The first phase was a Needs Assessment survey. A stratified sample of 1,000 commercial and public applicators and operators in Illinois were mailed a questionnaire. Phase II was a Program Evaluation study. A stratified sample of 200 individuals who attended a pesticide training program in 1985 were mailed a questionnaire. Also in Phase II, interviews were conducted of the pesticide training instructors. The mailed questionnaire and interviews were used to collect data about the current pesticide training programs in Illinois. Phase III was a review of similar pesticide training programs in other states. A questionnaire was mailed to the pesticide coordinator of each state.
This study concluded that the respondents have a wide range in years of experience and age. There are subtle educational differences between categories of respondents, but as a group they are well educated and potentially capable of assimilating a relatively high level of information. The use of temporary employees is extensive in several of the categories, but the majority of employers using temporary people felt they did not need formal pesticide training. A major concern of most Cooperative Extension Service programs is funding. The respondents were not receptive to the notion of charging registration and publication fees. The respondents did however indicate the Extension publications were helpful in the pesticide training sessions. Even though they do not like to pay for them, respondents still felt the publications were an asset. A majority of the respondents felt the intent of the current pesticide training programs are to provide information which will aid them in passing the certification examination, required for licensing. The respondents were positive towards a change from the current lecture method of presenting the material to a hands-on approach for pesticide training. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)
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