Reasons for Participation in Continuing Professional Education: A Survey of the NTRS

Authors

  • Stephen J. Langsner

Keywords:

Reasons for Participation, Continuing Professional Education, NTRS

Abstract

If the therapeutic recreation (TR) profession is to continue its emphasis on accountability and professionalization through continuing professional education, knowing the reasons why TR professionals participate can help contribute to those efforts by identifying program priorities and procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess the reasons a stratified proportional random sample (by region) of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society's professional membership participated in continuing professional education (CPE). The instruments used were the Participation Reasons Scale and the Participant Information Form (Grotelueschen, Harnisch, & Kenny, 1979). No significant differences were found among person-related characteristics and reasons, or among profession-related characteristics and reasons for participation. Statements representing the cluster "Professional Service" were ranked as the most important reasons for participation. Data analyzed by region, indicated that while each ranked the five clusters in the same order as the total sample, the ranked importance of individual statements within the clusters varied. This type of research provides information relevant to program content and format, thus enhancing the responsiveness and quality of educational programming and could potentially elevate the level of proficiency in the overall practice of CPE in therapeutic recreation.

Issue

Section

Research Papers