Animal Science, Department of
Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
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First Advisor
Kathleen Anderson
Committee Members
Colleen Brady, Becky Haddad
Date of this Version
8-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Citation
A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science
Major: Animal Science
Under the supervision of Professor Kathleen Anderson
Lincoln, Nebraska, August 2026
Abstract
Traditional program evaluations emphasize participant demographics, knowledge gain, behavior change, and program impact. However, evaluating participant motivation can provide addition insight into why participants enroll in extension programs and help explain participant engagement and persistence throughout a program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate participant motivation in two online equine extension courses and examine potential relationships between motivation, demographics, and course delivery method, and describe participant engagement in Virtual Horse Judging Camp (VHJC). This cross-sectional study utilized convenience sampling of participants in two online equine extension courses, Horse Adult Leader Training and Educational Resource (HALTER) and VHJC. The online survey measured demographic information and motivation using the Situational Motivational Scale (SIMS), which assesses amotivation, external regulation identified regulation, and intrinsic motivation. Demographics characteristics and differences in course delivery methods explained little of participant motivation. Participants in both HALTER and VHJC reported greater autonomous motivation, but engagement in VHJC decreased as the course progressed. These findings suggest that although participants entered the courses autonomously motivated, future course design should focus on sustaining engagement throughout the course to maximize participation.
Advisor: Kathleen Anderson
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Agricultural Education Commons, Animal Sciences Commons, Applied Behavior Analysis Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Online and Distance Education Commons, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons, University Extension Commons
Comments
Copyright 2026, Sarah Vos. Used by permission