Date of Award

2026-05-01

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Educational Leadership and Administration

Advisor(s)

Isela Peña

Second Advisor

Rodolfo Rincones

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the professional development of fire officers through a blend of research methods and theoretical frameworks. The primary question driving this research is: "What do captains and lieutenants consider to be the most effective professional development for fire officers?" The framework employed to conduct this study was constructivist grounded theory. It was essential to consider the perspectives of those actively working in the industry when developing a professional development program for officers, as their expertise lends significant credibility to the study. The research utilized the Delphi method to identify and ensure the key elements that experts believe are crucial for a cohesive and effective program. Key characteristics were drawn from Knowles' adult learning theory, Thorndike's law of learning, and firefighters' unique learning styles, which collectively informed the design of the program for officers. The goal of this dissertation is to explore the fire service from the viewpoints of captains and lieutenants. Ultimately, it aims to create a professional development program for fire officers based on their insights. This study delves into the design, implementation, and impact of a customized program for fire officers. By integrating contemporary adult learning theories with firefighting culture and actively involving fire officers in the process, the findings are expected to significantly benefit the industry.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

121 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Claudia Haley

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