Unleashing the
Scholar In You
Roger A. Rennekamp, Ph.D.
Department Head and State 4-H Program Leader
Youth Development Education
Oregon State University
roger.rennekamp@oregonstate.edu
Characteristics of a Profession
Operates from a body of knowledge, a theory of
action, and a repertoire of behaviors and skills.
Professionals not only know what to do but why it
is done.
Specialized education is acquired through an
extensive preparation program.
Professionals have significant autonomy regarding
the how that repertoire of behaviors and skills are
applied across various contexts.
High level of public trust, frequently operating for
the public good.
Characteristics of a Profession
Distinguished by an ethical code in its
relationships with clients, colleagues, and the
public.
Delivery of a unique, specialized service, dealing
with problems on an intellectual plane of
operation.
Professionals have an affiliation with a field of
study which is taught and researched at the
college or university level. Fields are
characterized by journals, professional
associations, and academic departments.
Stages of Professional Maturity
Know the Field (being aware of the major
theories, approaches, and scholars)
Apply the Field (applying the best practices
that stem from inquiry and understanding)
Grow the Field (contributing to the
knowledge base that undergirds a field)
Represent the Field (promoting the
advancement of the field)
Logic Models and Scholarship
Logic should represent an underlying
theory for how a program should operate.
Linkages between inputs, outputs and
outcomes can be based on research,
intuition, experience, and at times,
untested assumptions.
As these linkages are confirmed, the
theory becomes increasingly sound and
mature.
Understanding Scholarship
Some professionals have a special obligation to
grow and expand the field.
Often, scholarship is viewed as an add on;
something that takes us away from our primary
duties.
Scholarship is the process by which we grow the
field.
Scholarship results from innovations which are
validated and communicated.
Understanding Scholarship
Innovation involves the creation, integration or
application of knowledge which improves the
practice of youth development.
Innovations may be validated through a process
of peer referee, peer review, or peer adoption.
Validated innovations are frequently
communicated through presentations at state,
regional or national meetings of youth
development professionals.
Understanding Scholarship
Ideally, the content of presentations is recorded
in printed proceedings of these meetings.
Scholarly work is also communicated through
periodicals, journals, Extension publications, or
other printed products.
Successful pursuit of competitive grants is also
considered scholarly activity.
Work on steering committees, funding agency
panels, and editorships where the outcome is a
fundamental change in the field’s direction is
also considered scholarship.