Research into the training of volunteers

Abstract

The objective was to make recommendations for a training programme for the Zoo Friends (volunteers) at Wellington Zoo. A review of the literature on the motivations of volunteers, andragogy and volunteering as a form of recreation was undertaken. Choice, which is an essential part of volunteering is also essential to recreation. Andragogical Model of adult education provided a useful theoretical basis. Choice is also essential to the success of Andragogy. To examine how a training programme for volunteers can best fulfil the needs of the participants and the organisation, postal surveys for volunteers and volunteer administrators were sent to five zoos - one in New Zealand and four in Australia. A training programme, which accorded with the requirements of the staff at Wellington Zoo, was then formulated to be used at Wellington Zoo. The recommendations for that training programme were derived from: responses to the postal questionnaire by zoo volunteers and volunteer administrators; and the adult education theories of Learning Agreements and the Niehoff Method.