A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Educational Needs of Employers and Non-English Speaking Workers in Arboriculture

Authors

Robert M. Ricard, University of Connecticut Department of ExtensionFollow
Ana I. Legrand, University of ConnecticutFollow
Diane Wright Hirsch, University of Connecticut Department ExtensionFollow
Tricia Gabany-Guerrero, University of ConnecticutFollow

Volume

46

Issue

2

Abstract

Arboricultural employers and non-English speaking workers were surveyed to acquire information about their outreach educational needs. Results suggest that language barriers sometimes reduce job performance and threaten worker safety and relationships. Respondents stated that employee performance would improve if workers received English language and cultural training. Method of education mattered, with face-to-face learner and educator contact as the preferred method. It is recommended that arboriculture employers and outreach educators provide English language and cultural outreach education opportunities to arboriculture workers whose first language is not English, then follow this with arboriculture training and information (such as pesticide safety).

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Recommended Citation

Ricard, R. M., Legrand, A. I., Hirsch, D. W., & Gabany-Guerrero, T. (2008). A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Educational Needs of Employers and Non-English Speaking Workers in Arboriculture. The Journal of Extension, 46(2), Article 6. https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol46/iss2/6