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Full-Text Articles in Education

Transforming Students’ Global Knowledge And Perspectives Through International Service-Learning (Isl): How U.S. University Agriculture Students Made Sense Of Their Lived Experiences Over Time, Richie Roberts, M. Craig Edwards Dec 2016

Transforming Students’ Global Knowledge And Perspectives Through International Service-Learning (Isl): How U.S. University Agriculture Students Made Sense Of Their Lived Experiences Over Time, Richie Roberts, M. Craig Edwards

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

University agriculture students are failing in terms of their general global knowledge. As such, the need exists to examine instructional techniques that may assist in overcoming this deficiency. One such approach is international service-learning (ISL). The purpose of the current study, therefore, was to explore the lived experiences of university agriculture students who participated in an ISL opportunity to Uganda, which was partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State. The essence of participants’ lived experiences is best described as a transformative shift in their global knowledge and perspectives. The processes that foregrounded this shift are described …


Policy And Practice Of Participatory Extension In Indonesia:A Case Study Of Extension Agents In East Java Province, Edi Dwi Cahyono, Robert Agunga Dec 2016

Policy And Practice Of Participatory Extension In Indonesia:A Case Study Of Extension Agents In East Java Province, Edi Dwi Cahyono, Robert Agunga

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Participatory extension approach, also called demand-driven or pluralistic extension approach is gaining widespread popularity as a democratic process of getting smallholder farmers involved in decision-making. The approach was heavily promoted in Indonesia as a law enacted in 2006. This study, conducted in 2013, almost eight years after its introduction, was carried out to determine how effective the policy was being implemented. A survey of 159 extension agents in 33 sub-regencies of Malang Regency in East Java Province in Indonesia revealed that while extension workers were familiar with the participatory extension policy and were actually practicing it they felt that it …


An Exploration Of The Cultural Adaptation Process During An International Experience Infrance, Nathan W. Conner, T. Grady Roberts, James Sterns Dec 2016

An Exploration Of The Cultural Adaptation Process During An International Experience Infrance, Nathan W. Conner, T. Grady Roberts, James Sterns

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

The purpose of this study was to explore how a group ofstudents experienced cultural adaptation during a short-term study abroad program in Paris, France. The intrinsic case studywas usedand data collection methods included pre-experiencequestions, reflective journaling, post-experience questions,and participant observation. The grounded theory analysis methodwas used to identify the following eightstages of cultural adaptation:a) Initial Feelings, b) Cultural Uncertainty, c) Cultural Barriers, d) Cultural Negativity, e) Group Dynamics, f) Academic and Career Growth, g) Feelings throughout the Program, and h) Cultural Growth. Findings indicated that participants experienced cultural adaptation in anon-linear fashionand study abroad facilitators should incorporate and encourage cultural …


Agricultural Extension Officers’ Knowledge And Perceptions Of Food Security Issues In Trinidad And Tobago, T Grady Roberts, Wayne G. Ganpat, Bertrhude Albert, Lendel Narine, Samantha Sudeen Dec 2016

Agricultural Extension Officers’ Knowledge And Perceptions Of Food Security Issues In Trinidad And Tobago, T Grady Roberts, Wayne G. Ganpat, Bertrhude Albert, Lendel Narine, Samantha Sudeen

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Food security is a complex global problem that will require the interaction of a wide variety of people to solve. Although food insecurity has been reduced in Latin American and the Caribbean in the last decade, national governments in the region are still enacting policies to help further address the situation. In 2012,the government of Trinidad and Tobago enacted the National Food Production Action Plan and government extension agents are central to the field-level implementation of many aspects of the plan. This study explored agricultural extension officers’ knowledge and perceptions of food security issues in Trinidad and Tobago. Results revealed …


A Trillion-Dollar Question: What Predicts Student Loan Delinquencies?, Alvaro Mezza, Kamila Sommer Dec 2016

A Trillion-Dollar Question: What Predicts Student Loan Delinquencies?, Alvaro Mezza, Kamila Sommer

Journal of Student Financial Aid

The recent significant increase in student loan delinquencies has generated interest in understanding the key factors predicting the non-performance of these loans. However, despite the large size of the student loan market, existing analyses have been limited by lack of data. This paper studies predictors of student loan delinquencies using a nationally representative panel data set that anonymously combines individual credit bureau records with Federal Pell Grant and federal student loan recipient information, records on college enrollment, graduation and major, and school characteristics. We show that borrower-level credit characteristics are important predictors of student loan delinquencies. In particular, credit scores …


The Gold Standard: A Qualitative Framing Analysis Of Newspaper Coverage Of Golden Rice In The United States And Philippines, Taylor K. Ruth, Joy N. Rumble Dec 2016

The Gold Standard: A Qualitative Framing Analysis Of Newspaper Coverage Of Golden Rice In The United States And Philippines, Taylor K. Ruth, Joy N. Rumble

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major issue in developing countries and affects approximately 250 million children, and blinding 500,000 a year. A proposed intervention to VAD is Golden Rice, a rice that has been genetically modified (GM) to contain beta-carotene, the precursor to Vitamin A. However, Golden Rice is often associated with negatively perceived GM food. Because the media is the most trusted source in providing food-risk related information, a framing analysis of Golden Rice in United States and Philippine newspapers was conducted to determine past and current frames used to describe the rice. Understanding such frames could help …


Comparing Critical Thinkingdispositions Of Students Enrolled In A College Levelglobal Seminarcourse, Dennis W. Duncan, Rainer Haas, John C. Ricketts Aug 2016

Comparing Critical Thinkingdispositions Of Students Enrolled In A College Levelglobal Seminarcourse, Dennis W. Duncan, Rainer Haas, John C. Ricketts

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

In recent years, the discussion concerning critical thinking and problem solving among college graduates and new industry hires has increased dramatically. A plethora of research has discovered that college graduates entering the workforce are lacking in their ability to problem solve and think critically. These attributes have been called some of the most necessary for an individuals’ success in the 21stcentury. The purpose of this study was to identify the variance in critical thinking dispositionof students (undergraduate and graduate) enrolled in an International course (Global Seminar) using the UF-EMI Critical Thinking Disposition Assessment. Students representing the US, Italy, and Austria …


In Search Of An Alternative Agricultural Extension Strategy:An Action Research On Off-Season Vegetable Production In Nepal, Murari Suvedi, Ramjee P. Ghimire Aug 2016

In Search Of An Alternative Agricultural Extension Strategy:An Action Research On Off-Season Vegetable Production In Nepal, Murari Suvedi, Ramjee P. Ghimire

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Agricultural extension services in Nepal are in serious need of revival. An extension approach that brings agricultural stakeholders together and fosters co-learning among them is paramount for agricultural development. This study, conducted in 2013 in Hamsapur, Nepal, aims to assess the current agricultural extension services and search for an alternative extension strategy for speedy agricultural development. Specifically, the study seeks to examine the current agricultural production patterns; assess farmers’ perceptions of the participatory action research (PAR) approach; and identify barriers for adoption of new agricultural technologies by farmers. Personal interviews and observations were employed for collecting qualitative and quantitative data. …


Post-Conflict News And Information Needs Of West African Farmers: Voices From Côte D’Ivoire And Mali, Assoumane A. Maiga, M. Craig Edwards, Marshall A. Baker, D. Dwayne Cartmell Ii, Joel M. Jenswold Aug 2016

Post-Conflict News And Information Needs Of West African Farmers: Voices From Côte D’Ivoire And Mali, Assoumane A. Maiga, M. Craig Edwards, Marshall A. Baker, D. Dwayne Cartmell Ii, Joel M. Jenswold

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

During the decades following the independence of Sub-Saharan African countries, many. Farmers were severely affected by armed conflicts. News and information providers could provide important support toward the economic recovery of these farmers and the rebuilding of their communities. This qualitative study sought to explore farmers’ perceptions on the role of media and other sources in disseminating news and information after armed conflicts ceased in Côte d’Ivoire and in Mali. The study involved10 key informants, five from each country. Rigorous qualitative research procedures were used to collect and analyze the study’s data. Six themes emerged from the interviews. Farmers perceived …


Assessing Theprior Intercultural Experiences,Motivating Factorsand Deterrentsinfluencing4-H Members’ Intention To Participate An International Experience Program, Melissa Carter, J. C. Bunch, Shelli Danjean Aug 2016

Assessing Theprior Intercultural Experiences,Motivating Factorsand Deterrentsinfluencing4-H Members’ Intention To Participate An International Experience Program, Melissa Carter, J. C. Bunch, Shelli Danjean

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

International experience programs (IEPs), such as International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) and other programs employed by U.S Cooperative Extension Programs and international partners, can forge students’ development of a global perspective. The purpose of this study was to determine 4-H members’ prior intercultural experience, perceived motivating factors to participation in an IEP, perceived deterrents to participation in an IEP, and 4-H members’ intentions to participate in an IEP; and to explain 4-H members’ intention to participate in an IEP. Results of this study suggest that 4-H members’ intention to participate in an IEP is predicted by prior intercultural experiences. The …


Small-Scale Farmers’Perceptions Of Agricultural Information Sources In Northen Haiti, Priscilla Zelaya, Amy Harder, T. Grady Roberts Aug 2016

Small-Scale Farmers’Perceptions Of Agricultural Information Sources In Northen Haiti, Priscilla Zelaya, Amy Harder, T. Grady Roberts

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Agricultural extension in developing countries can be a major source of support for small-scale farmers. In Haiti, the majority of the agricultural population is made up of small-scale farmers. In the past, Haiti’s extension system has suffered from various governmental instabilities in the nation. This study sought to (a) determine the information channels small-scale farmers use in the North Department of Haiti, (b) determine the accessibility of quality information as perceived by small-scale farmers in the North Department of Haiti, and (c) identify the perceivedbarriers to successful production ofsmall-scale farmers in the North Department of Haiti.Results from this study showed …


Orono: Growing As A University Town, 1965-2015, Evan D. Richert Aicp, Sophia L. Wilson Jun 2016

Orono: Growing As A University Town, 1965-2015, Evan D. Richert Aicp, Sophia L. Wilson

Maine History

By 1965, the Town of Orono’s long history as a lumber town had faded and it had grown into a small university town. Demographically and socially, Orono today demonstrates many of the markers of a university town—from its occupational profile and residency of university employees and students to its growing knowledge-based economy and its evolving downtown of “third places.” But there are differences, too, from a typical university town—for example, in the relative physical isolation of the University of Maine from the rest of the town, and in Orono’s small population compared with the university’s enrollment. Opinions on the quality …


University Student And Faculty Needs, Barriers, And Expectations Of International Efforts And Opportunities: A Closer Look At One Land-Grant University’S College Of Agriculture, Stuart Estes, Maggie Jo Hansen, Leslie D. Edgar Apr 2016

University Student And Faculty Needs, Barriers, And Expectations Of International Efforts And Opportunities: A Closer Look At One Land-Grant University’S College Of Agriculture, Stuart Estes, Maggie Jo Hansen, Leslie D. Edgar

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

International academic opportunities have gained increased attention among students, faculty, and administration at American universities. It is important for agriculturalstudents to have an awareness and understanding of agricultural policy and issues in the United Statesand other countries. Also,faculty who have personal and professional ties internationally are often the link for these students to engage in globalexperiences. This study used descriptive survey methodology to assess students (N=773) and faculty (N=85) at the University of Arkansasabouttheir perceptions of international experiences, as well as what they saw as the most influential barriers and influencers to participating in international experiences. Students notedtheir parents (M= …


Motivations To Study Abroad: A Case Study Of The College Of Agricultural And Life Sciences Agribusiness Short-Term Study Abroad Program, Amber Lynn Beseli, Wendy J. Warner, Barbara M. Kirby, David W. Jones Apr 2016

Motivations To Study Abroad: A Case Study Of The College Of Agricultural And Life Sciences Agribusiness Short-Term Study Abroad Program, Amber Lynn Beseli, Wendy J. Warner, Barbara M. Kirby, David W. Jones

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the student participants’ motivations to partake ina short-term study abroad experience. This was an observational case study of the North Carolina StateUniversity College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Agribusiness Short-Term Study Abroad Program with the 2014 program student participants. The study explored student participants’ motivations to participate in a short-term study abroad program. This study found students were motivated to participate in a short-term study abroad program because of the short-term length aspect, the completion of course credits, and encouragement from other people, both other students and faculty


How Will Extension Contribute To The Sustainable Development Goals? A Global Strategy And Operational Plan, Kristen Davis Apr 2016

How Will Extension Contribute To The Sustainable Development Goals? A Global Strategy And Operational Plan, Kristen Davis

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Extension remains a critical institution for supporting rural livelihoodsand the Sustainable Development Goals. The Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) recently launched a ten-year strategic framework and five-year operational plan, both aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals. The strategy was developed using a series of online and face-to-face consultations within the Forum, with expert feedbackat various stages. Using both an agricultural innovation systems and a capacity development framework, the strategy outlines strategic fields of action at three levels –individual, organizational, and system. The strategic fields of action include advocacy and support for increased investment in extension; professionalization; and knowledge …


Decentralization Of Mexico’S Agricultural Extension Services And The Ongoing Struggle To Alleviate Rural Poverty, José M. Uscanga, M. Craig Edwards Apr 2016

Decentralization Of Mexico’S Agricultural Extension Services And The Ongoing Struggle To Alleviate Rural Poverty, José M. Uscanga, M. Craig Edwards

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Atendencytodecentralizenationalagriculturalextensionsystemsaroundtheworldcaughtmanycountriesunpreparedtorespondeffectivelytotheneedsofitsruralpopulationunderprivatizedapproachestoextensiondelivery,especiallyinregardtopovertyalleviation.MyriadinternalandexternalfactorsledMexicotodismantleitsnationalagriculturalextensionsysteminthe1990s,andadoptamoreprivatizedorcontractor-drivenapproach.Asaresult,significantchangesoccurredinthewayextensionserviceswereofferedtothepublicafterthesystem’sdecentralizationbyMexico’sfederalgovernment,althoughsomesimilaritiesremained.Afteralmosttwodecadesofdecentralization,theeffectivenessofthecurrentsystemhasbeenquestionedregardingitsprovisionofservicestomarginalizedgroupswhorepresentthemostimpoverishedofMexico’scitizens.Thishistoricalnarrativeaimedtounderstandthephenomenonbyexploringthecausesofdecentralization,comparingextensionservicedeliverybeforeandafterdecentralization,includingitsoutcome,privatizationofextensionservices,andsuggestdirectionsforimprovementinthefuture


Impact Of Teachers On An Australian Community Over Ten Years: A Qualitative Study, Derek Brawner, Carrie Ann Stephens, Shelby Brawner, Christopher T. Stripling, Neal Samuel Eash Apr 2016

Impact Of Teachers On An Australian Community Over Ten Years: A Qualitative Study, Derek Brawner, Carrie Ann Stephens, Shelby Brawner, Christopher T. Stripling, Neal Samuel Eash

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

The purpose of this study was to use intensive interviews to evaluate the impact of American teachers on a ruralcommunity in New South Wales, Australia from 2005 to 2015. The study analyzed interviews with 10participants ofthe Australian community. Survey participants were chosen based on their longevity in the community and their community involvement. Tworesearchersand a peer reviewer transcribed, coded,and categorized the data into themessuggested by the interview participants using participatory action research. Results from this studyidentified two major themes: impact on student growth and sense of community, and eight subthemes: student performance, international growth, culture, perceptions and stereotypes, values, pre …


Factors Influencing Self-Efficacy And Adoption Of Ict Dissemination Tools By New Extension Officers, Wayne G. Ganpat, Jeet Ramjattan, Robert Strong Apr 2016

Factors Influencing Self-Efficacy And Adoption Of Ict Dissemination Tools By New Extension Officers, Wayne G. Ganpat, Jeet Ramjattan, Robert Strong

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) offer Extension systems opportunities to expand participation and provide information faster to stakeholders. The study included fifty-seven new extension officers drawn from the public, private and state assisted extension organizations in Trinidad. Participants were surveyed to assess their level of confidence in the use of ICTs and the factors that impacted their use of these dissemination tools. The survey, which was conducted during March to May 2015 on themandatory office days of the agents, consisted of five sections which captured socio demographic variables, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and self-efficacy in the use of ICTs. …


Wage Distribution Impacts Of Higher Education Faculty Unionization, Charles S. Wassell Jr, David W. Hedrick, Steven E. Henson, John M. Krieg Feb 2016

Wage Distribution Impacts Of Higher Education Faculty Unionization, Charles S. Wassell Jr, David W. Hedrick, Steven E. Henson, John M. Krieg

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

The literature on the effects of unions on the distribution of wages at the macroeconomic and inter-industry levels has given little attention to the effects at the firm level. At the same time, research on collective bargaining impacts in higher education has focused on the overall wage level rather than on the distribution of salaries. Using panel data on individual faculty members, we find faculty unionization to be associated with a significant flattening of the wage distribution across academic disciplines. This has implications for why faculty might choose to unionize, even in the absence of an overall wage premium.


Exploring Economic And Social Factors That Increase Economic And Well-Being Measurements Of Developing And Developed Countries, Kofi D. Boadu Jan 2016

Exploring Economic And Social Factors That Increase Economic And Well-Being Measurements Of Developing And Developed Countries, Kofi D. Boadu

Undergraduate Economic Review

The historical growth paths of developed and developing countries reveal the challenges that developing countries face in traveling the road from poverty to prosperity. Based on economic development literature, economic theory, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression method, this research considers whether or not, and to what extent globalization characteristics, foreign direct investment levels (FDI), secondary school enrollment rates, information communication technology (ICT) as a percentage of trade imports, and happiness levels of 103 developing and developed countries, impact their GDP per capita levels. This paper will also take a look at alternative ways of viewing and measuring economic success.


The Connection Between Education And Sustainable Economic Growth In Nigeria, Lotanna Ernest Emediegwu, Ighodaro Clement Jan 2016

The Connection Between Education And Sustainable Economic Growth In Nigeria, Lotanna Ernest Emediegwu, Ighodaro Clement

Zambia Social Science Journal

This article considers the nexus between education and economic growth in Nigeria. Education here is seen as portraying one of the major components of human capital formation. Investment in the quantity of education, and more significantly in its quality is pivotal to achieving sustainable economic growth. Time-series data were collected from different sources for the period 1980-2015. Cointegration technique and error correction methodology were employed for the estimation of the chosen model. The empirical results reveal that educational investment impacts on economic growth in Nigeria in a direct and significant manner. Hence, amongst several recommendations, we propose that a forceful …


Increasing College Opportunity: School Counselors And Fafsa Completion, Laura Owen, Erik Westlund Jan 2016

Increasing College Opportunity: School Counselors And Fafsa Completion, Laura Owen, Erik Westlund

Journal of College Access

Closing postsecondary opportunity gaps has become a national, state and local educational priority. To help eliminate these gaps, the US Department of Education initiated a project that provided real time student level Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion status to large urban school districts. Leveraging this information, school counselors identified and supported students and families as they navigated the financial aid process, resulting in statistically significant impacts on FAFSA completion and college attendance.