Education Commons^™

Challenges To Maintaining Student Engagement And Student Organizations Activities Faced By Advisors In The Uncertain Environment Of Covid-19., Charlene Baillieul, Cindy L. Crowder

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Background: Interviews were conducted with Career and Technical Education Student Organizations (CTSOs) advisors from secondary schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: The purpose was to discover the impact COVID-19 pandemic had on CTSO advisors’ personal views and lived experiences. Method: Researchers followed a constant comparative methodology, analyzing the interview transcripts for interconnectivity of the experiences by independently coding data employing open and axial coding techniques and identifying emerging themes. Discussion: The short-term effects of the pandemic were related to access and adequate technology, apathy in both students and advisors, and administrative support. More research will need to be conducted on …

A Construction Workforce Training Partnership Between The State Of Wyoming, Industry, And University During Covid-19, Francois Jacobs, Renxiang Lu

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Objective: To illustrate the development and implementation of a statewide construction workforce training program between the state, industry, and university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: Over the last 20 years, there has been a statewide construction workforce shortage, which not only creates an imbalance on the demands in this sector but impairs the profitability of Wyoming-based construction companies. Method: The team developed and implemented an online training platform, consisting of five modules, in support of training for construction companies and their workers across the state. Results: 149 successful learners received certificates of completion for the online training modules. The success …

Agricultural Education And Mathematics Performance Among Secondary Students, Susan W. Githua, John C. Ricketts

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of agricultural education, FFA involvement, and SAE participation on the mathematics performance of secondary students. The study explored these factors using an ex post facto research design. Respondents in the study were secondary students enrolled in Agricultural Education program (N=80) and non-agricultural education students (N=59). Results revealed that agricultural education students had a higher mathematics mean score (M=12.15, SD=4.61) than non-agricultural education students (M=10.67, SD=3.63). There were positive statistically significant differences between mathematics performance of the students and their FFA involvement as well as SAE participation.

Challenges For Beginning Secondary Technology Education Teachers, Sally E. Arnett-Hartwick, John Cannon

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe challenges faced by beginning technology education (TE) teachers in [state]. Background: The highest attrition rates are among beginning teachers and with a continued shortage of TE teachers, identifying the problems new teachers encounter need to be identified for retention and the sustainability of the TE profession. Method: A qualitative research design using an online questionnaire was completed by 27 [state] TE teachers who had taught four or fewer years. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed four themes: facility management, student management, external relations, and instruction management. Each theme contained subthemes; the predominant subthemes …

Meeting The Needs Of The 21st Century Workforce: Nanotechnology Safety Training, Dominick E. Fazarro, Walt Trybula

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Developing an education effort in a completely new field is very difficult at best. The identification of a need for Nano-Safety education was realized and promoted in 2006. It took a combined effort among a number of institutes of higher-education to even raise the awareness of a need for an education effort. Developing a new area requires not only expertise in the field but plans on how to develop the material to be covered, how to present the material, and how to evaluate the results of the program developed. There are many steps required to be successful. The OSHA Susan …

Perceptions Of Levels Of Preparedness Of Alternatively Licensed Career And Technical Education Teachers In The State Of Ohio, Dr. Jeremy Jeffery, Dr. Christopher Zirkle

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Background: Levels of preparedness of alternatively licensed career and technical education teachers were measured using a Likert-type scale across four tasks of a performance-based assessment as part of an induction program in the state of Ohio. Purpose: The purpose of this research study addresses the paucity of research that deals with licensure in the field of career and technical education for alternatively licensed teachers who completed a performance-based assessment. Method: Demographic data and levels of preparedness were analyzed quantitatively and effect sizes were reported. Qualitative data in the form of anecdotal evidence were also analyzed for themes. Discussion: Results of …

Self-Career Promotion Behaviors Of Family And Consumer Sciences Teachers, Sally E. Arnett-Hartwick

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine secondary family and consumer sciences (FCS) teachers self-career promotion behaviors to their students. Background: Research has confirmed that secondary FCS teachers are the best source of recruitment for the profession however there is a lack of knowledge of their self-career promotion behaviors to students. In other words, do they know they are marketers for the profession? Method: A qualitative research design with an online survey method was used for this study. Of the 152 Illinois Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Association members, 94 (62%) completed the questionnaire. The data was …

What Do They Do Different? A Comparison Of Practices At Award Winning Technology Centers That Work And Non-Award Winning Centers, Gary Dan Williams, Kemaly S. Parr, Brian A. Parr 8092966

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine characteristics of award winning Career and Technical Centers that may contribute to best practices in the integration of core academic concepts into the Career and Technical Education curriculum. These responses were compared to non-award winning schools in order to determine what award winning schools may have done differently that could have contributed to their success. Background: It is widely accepted that educators should place an increased emphasis on workforce readiness in secondary education to prepare students for a global economy that is becoming increasingly complex and knowledge-based. New participants must enter …

Behavioral Economics And Workforce Development: A Review Of The Literature From Labor Economics And The Broader Field, Cynthia J. Juniper 6581119, Heath Prince

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Structured Abstract

Objective: This review of current literature explores the strengths and limitations of applying tools of behavioral sciences to increase the participation and completion rate of training for lower-wage, frontline incumbent workers in ways that benefit both workers and sponsoring firms. Background: While behavioral economics may have deep roots in labor economics, its application in other fields, such as psychology and education, have drawn much of the recent attention it is receiving. Method: We reviewed studies in the field of social sciences that present potentially transferable lessons for behavioral economic approaches aiming to increase participation in …

Successful Leadership: Optimizing The Influence Of Personality On Work Engagement, Joey A. Fleck

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Abstract

Objective: This paper examines the positive influence that personality has on the level of engagement workers have in their work. By determining the connection between personality characteristics and work engagement, leaders can be proactive in promoting higher levels of engagement by their workers. Background: Engaging in one’s work encompasses the total person and includes elements such as energy, mental resilience, willingness to invest in one’s work, enthusiasm, pride, and the happiness that comes with being involved in work. The level of work engagement of workers in their work has implications for the workers as well as for the organization. …

University Supervisors' Perspectives On The Student Teaching Timeframe, Sally E. Arnett-Hartwick, Sarah Bradshaw

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Structured Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research study was to describe university supervisors’ perception of extending the student teaching time frame in a family and consumer sciences (FCS) teacher education program. Background: Recently, a Midwestern State University FCS teacher education program extended the length of student teaching from 10 to 16 weeks. To verify if the student teaching timeframe mattered in enhancing the development of FCS teacher candidates, this study sought the perspectives of university supervisors who worked in both timeframes. Method: Using a qualitative design, interviews were conducted with two FCS university supervisors who supervised student teachers in …

Examining Differences In Middle School Student Achievement On A State Mandated Examination: Does A Full Year Of Agriscience Really Make A Difference?, Sarah Hicks, Dennis W. Duncan, Myra Womble, Robert Branch

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Early agricultural education programs in the United States existed to promote new methods and techniques to further agricultural production. Today, extending integration, general knowledge, appreciation, and literacy about agriculture is the goal, especially at the middle school level. Not only is agricultural education designed to encompass academics, but science and technology, literacy, and career preparedness are parts of the total agricultural education program. Since the passage of No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), more pressure has been put on teachers to generate increased student academic performance and improvement of test scores. The purpose of this research study was to determine …

Effect Of Conflict On Team Performance And Satisfaction Among Health Profession Students, Jeffery D. Kaufman Ph.D

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Objective: This study continues prior research investigating the relationships between task conflict, relationship conflict, team performance, and team member satisfaction within teams of students in programs that tend to matriculate to healthcare professions. Background: As the use of teams both in practice and education continues to increase, understanding how conflict impacts team processes becomes ever more important. Methods: Student teams (n = 47) completed two different decision tasks as well as instruments that measured their individual levels of perceived task conflict, relationship conflict and satisfaction with their team. Results: No significant relationship was identified between either types of conflict …

High School Students' Perceptions Of Their Internship Experiences And The Related Impact On Career Choices And Changes, Michael Papadimitriou

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to illuminate STEM students’ perceptions of internship experiences and to examine the impact of these experiences on career and college major choices and retention in the science career pipeline. Background: Many high schools operate internship programs with the purpose of providing authentic work experiences. Through these experiences, students are forced to confront the unrealistic nature of their personal perceptions of practice, and are then exposed to the nuances of practice and authentic skills of practice. Methods: Students were asked to complete an internship questionnaire as part of the senior exit process along …

Application Of Problem Based Learning And Mastery Learning To Multimedia Education, Gabriel J. Grant, Dominick E. Fazarro, Luke Steinke

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

The current state of education and the workforce demands a special kind of learner capable of creativity, communicating effectively, analytical skill application, critical thinking, and problem solving. Whereas these skills are important, it is also a necessity for learners to be masters of the knowledge and skills that they have acquired. Traditional educational methods have proven to be somewhat ineffective in producing these results. Problem based learning has proven worthy in handling some of the load, however, mastery learning has been abandoned long ago for reasons in spite of its effectiveness. Through given examples and careful design, the educator will …

Preparing Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders For Employment, Princess M. Cullum, Demetria Ennis-Cole

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

The work experiences and job histories of adults with ASD were examined to determine whether or not they corroborate findings in the literature. Incidences of ASD are on the rise, and children diagnosed with ASD will become adults who will need employment opportunities. Most employers are using a variety of technology tools to increase productivity, communicate, perform record-keeping tasks, save time and money, and conduct business. Individuals with ASD gravitate toward technology, and employment opportunities that capitalize on the use
technology may allow them to be productive in the
workplace. Semi-structured interviews using
open-ended questions reviewed and approved by
founders …

Arizona Clinical Research Workforce Survey, Cris E. Wells, Julie A. Robbins, Gaye Luna

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Objective: We characterize the current clinical research workforce in Arizona with the goal of identifying possible educational training gaps for the future workforce. Background: The science community, government entities, educational institutions, and community programs continue to advocate for additional funding and resources to educate the bioscience workforce, of which clinical research is a part. However, there is little evidence that additional training and/or education is needed within the clinical research profession. Method: We utilized an electronic survey tool that was designed to solicit workforce data from clinical research professionals actively working or seeking employment in the field of clinical research …

Using “Expert Employees” To Identify Duties And Tasks For Cadd Technicians In North Central Idaho: Lessons Learned From A Modified Dacum Process, Raymond A. Dixon Ph.D., Linda S. Stricklin Ph.D.

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Objective: We conducted a job analysis to identify the competency profile of an entry level CADD technician in North central Idaho. Background: In 2011, the Clearwater Economic Development Association and NIMA collaborated with Lewis-Clark State College and the University of Idaho in a project to strengthen the capacity of Career and Technology Education (CTE) teachers to teach computer aided drafting and designing (CADD). An application to the National Science Foundation, Advanced Technology Education (NSF ATE) program was made and funding began July of 2011. Method: A modified DACUM was used. A total of seven expert workers from …

Family And Consumer Sciences Teacher Educator's Perception Of Integration Of Reading Skill Instruction, Frederick Polkinghorne, Sally E. Arnett-Hartwick

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine family and consumer sciences (FACS) teacher educators’ perceptions on the integration of reading skill instruction in secondary FACS courses. Background: As a result of low national reading scores and legislation, family and consumer sciences (FACS) teachers are being challenged to explicitly teach reading into course curricula but feel untrained to do so. Therefore, this demonstrates that FACS teachers know the value of literacy integration, but lack pedagogical skills too successfully and explicitly integrate literacy in the FACS curriculum. This draws attention to the preparation of FACS teachers, moreover FACS teacher educators’ …

Investigation Of Learning Style Preferences Of Business Students, Chen Wu, Dominick E. Fazarro

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

This study investigates learning style preferences of college business majors. We find they prefer the Structure learning style as defined by the Dunn and Dunn Learning Style Model (1978). Modification of instructional techniques to suit this preference generates a marginal significant increase in the performance of students in the experimental group relative to the control group as measured by their Final Course Grade Average (FCGA).

An Assessment Of The Needs Of Georgian Secondary Agricultural Educators, Jason Peake, Dennis W. Duncan, Brian Parr, John Ricketts, Jennifer Williams

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

This purpose of this study was to determine the perception of secondary educators involved in Future Farmers of Georgia (FFG) schools throughout the country of Georgia concerning their needs for furthering the existing framework of agricultural education. The researchers used a modified focus group method to meet the aformentioned purpose of this study. The population for this study consisted of the high school agricultural education teachers and their administrators who were participating in the FFG Program (n=14). Qualitative data collected from the probe (first round) was used to generate a series of 46 statements. In the second round participants were …

The Great Regression’S Impact On Construction Training Programs: Multi-Level Analyses Of Recruiting & Retention Concepts, John S. Gaal Edd

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

The intent of this practitioner-based research study is to determine if there is a difference in the attitudes of construction industry professionals—at local and international levels—towards various training-related recruiting and retention concepts. In light of the global economic malaise, training programs are being held to higher standards and, thusly, different metrics than in the past. In today’s environment, outcomes-based designs (versus outputs-based) have gained attention from both private and public funders of such training programs. Thusly, programs must adapt to the needs of the industry rather than rely on outdated materials and methods. To this end, a survey was designed …

The Four Year Experience: Career Search Self-Efficacy Of New Graduates, Heather Maietta

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Abstract

The author examines the relationship between the degree of participation in a mandatory, credit-bearing, four-year career development program and career search self-efficacy of college graduates using the Career Search Efficacy Scale (CSES). Solberg, Good, & Nord (1994) define career search self-efficacy as an individuals’ efficacy expectations regarding their ability to perform important activities associated with career search and selection. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlations, and regression analyses were performed. Results indicated there was a relationship between participation in a career development program and career search self-efficacy. Discussion of findings and recommendations for future research are provided.

Assessing Extension Education Efforts In Afghanistan Through The Eyes Of U.S. Agricultural Support Personnel, Seburn L. Pense, John W. Groninger

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Assessment of agricultural extension education efforts in Afghanistan was conducted through a qualitative case study of eight U.S. support personnel serving in the country. Security & access and provincial diversity were two overriding factors which determined how the three key attributes of assessment, content and process (Barrick et al., 2009) were able to function in an Afghan agricultural extension education program. Respondents indicated training should focus on young farmers and local farm demonstration sites should be essential program components. Respondents stressed recruitment of agents from local districts when this would not imperil the agents or their families. Respondents also insisted …

Perceived Professional Development Needs Of Idaho Secondary Career And Technical Education Teachers: Program Management, John G. Cannon, Karl Allen Kitchel, Dennis W. Duncan

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived professional development needs of Idaho secondary career and technical education teachers for a set of non-instructional competencies specifically associated with duties related to program management. The population of this study consisted of CTE teachers employed by Idaho secondary schools (N=725). Sixty-one percent (n=446) of the population participated in the study. The findings indicated that the top five perceived in-service training areas for the program management construct, as identified by a mean weighted discrepancy score (MWDS) ranking, to be “Grant writing & funding opportunities”; “Understanding federal (Perkins), state, and local funding”; …

Professional Development In Cte Data Driven Methods: Development Of A Research-Based Intervention, John Foster, Carol L. Hodes, Patricia Kelley, Sandra Pritz

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

An initial survey conducted by the authors in 2009 determined the amount and type of preparation career technical educators (CTE) had regarding the use of assessment data for program and instructional improvement; this survey was the basis for development of an intervention for teachers on interpretation of assessment data for improvement of classroom instruction. The intervention, titled Career and Technical Educators Using a Data Driven Improvement Model or CTEDDI, was developed and successfully piloted in five states during spring semester 2010; the results of the pilot study have been used to revise the materials and process to produce a professional …

Leadership For Change: Insights Gleaned From One District’S Implementation Of An Educational Innovation, Crystal V. Shelby-Caffey Ph.D., Ronald A. Caffey Ph.D.

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

The research reported here is extracted from a larger study aimed at describing the challenges and barriers to implementing the two way immersion (TWI) program at Stark Elementary School (a pseudonym). While Stark’s TWI program is used as the backdrop for the current discussion the perspective taken here is to examine the actions (and lack of action in some instances) of Stark’s administrators and describe how those actions impacted other stakeholders and led to challenges during the implementation process. The findings illuminate the need for leaders to gain support for proposed changes while maintaining dialogue with stakeholders and developing other …

Science, Math, Social Studies, And Language Arts Achievement Of High School Students In Complete Programs Of Agriscience Education, Dennis W. Duncan, John C. Ricketts, Todd Shultz

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

The purpose of this descriptive and comparative study was to describe the academic achievement of FFA (Future Farmers of America) members in a complete program of agriscience at Jackson County Comprehensive High School (JCCHS). A secondary purpose was to compare science, math, social studies, and language arts achievement of senior agriscience students/FFA members to the achievement of all seniors at JCCHS. The findings indicate that senior agriscience students/FFA members had a higher percentage of students achieving at the highest level (Pass Plus) of Language Arts on the GHSGT (Georgia High School Graduation Test) than the remaining student population at JCCHS. …

Career And Technical Education Teacher Preparation Trends: A Pilot Study, Paul Asunda

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine trends in CTE teacher preparation programs in the last 5 years. This descriptive pilot study utilized a self-reporting survey to collect data about CTE program enrollment requirements; CTE certification areas; enrollment with regard to gender, graduation rates, and alternative teacher certification. Findings of this study tend to lead to the questions: Where do we lose individuals interested in pre service CTE teacher programs; and on what basis should CTE educators, design, develop, and implement appropriate and effective programs that can attract, recruit, retain and sustain interested individuals into CTE teacher education …

First-Generation Students In Higher Education: Issues Of Employability In A Knowledge Based Economy, Malar Hirudayaraj

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

This paper explores the issues around the transition of first-generation students in higher education into the knowledge based economy. It discusses how the lack of parental education deprives first-generation students of the cultural capital that is transmitted through the family and how this influences the acquisition of the “soft currencies” that employers expect them to demonstrate in this economy. The article stresses the need for focused research on understanding the problems faced by these students with regard to their employability and actual employment, specifically in the context of mass higher education. It highlights the need for research that could inform …