Agricultural Education Commons^™

Purdue University Extension Program Evaluation Professional Development Pilot Study To Assess Evaluation Competencies Among Educators, Mariah K. Awan, Rama Radhakrishna, Hui-Hui Wang

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

For the first part of this study, we conducted a descriptive research study with Purdue Extension educators to determine their evaluation competencies and their perceived level of importance for evaluation activities. We also asked about their competence in evaluation methods. For part two, we interviewed Purdue Extension administrators about their perceptions of Program Evaluation as a whole within Indiana Extension. The interview protocol questions were related to perceived roles of administrators, perceived strengths and opportunities for Purdue Extension Program Evaluation efforts, evaluation knowledge needed by educators, and possible future evaluation directions for Purdue Extension. We found that educators indicated mid-level …

Needs Assessment For Evaluation Competencies Among Extension And Outreach Professionals, Mariah K. Awan, Hui-Hui Wang, Rama Radhakrishna

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

We conducted an extensive literature review to develop an assessment tool with both quantitative and qualitative items that can be used to conduct a statewide needs assessment of professional development needs in program evaluation for Extension educators and similar non-profit organizations. This tool can be used to identify priority topics for evaluating professional development trainings and materials. It can be easily distributed via Qualtrics. The results of the literature review and the needs assessment survey instrument are shared.

Making Digital Connections: Extension Educators’ Perceptions And Use Of Qr Codes, Kobina D. Fanyinkah, Jefferson D. Miller, Casandra Cox, Will Doss

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

While Extension educators recognize the potential of digital tools for outreach, there are still barriers to adoption, effective implementation, and acceptance. The goal of this study was to evaluate Extension educators’ perceptions concerning quick-reponse (QR) codes in outreach activities, including their effectiveness, integration, and barriers faced when using them. The study used a qualitative approach in the form of semi-structured interviews of twelve Extension professionals purposely sampled from the Ozark region of the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Participants perceived the effective use of the technology to be related to their target clients’ age and technological proficiency. Additionally, Extension professionals reported …

Applied Reproductive Science: Technology, Ethics, And Management In Modern Animal Systems, Hagan Beach

Publications

This creative component course development project includes five (5) supplementary lessons focused on animal welfare concerns in livestock reproduction, biological foundations of ethical animal reproduction, responsible use of reproductive technology, ethical reproductive management, and ethical breeding decisions in livestock genetics. This resource also includes a teacher guide, supplementary instructional materials, assessment materials, implementation guidance, and reflection sections.

Together, these components give teachers a usable set of lessons and support materials for bringing ethical decision-making into animal science instruction. Although each lesson can stand on its own, the sequence was arranged to move from foundational reproductive science into more applied questions …

Teaching Leadership In The Context Of Crisis: Connecting Organizational Leadership And Crisis Competencies In A Faculty Leadership Education Program, Caitlin Lunzmann, Nicole Lamee Perez Stedman, Matthew Sowcik

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This research focused on enhancing leadership instruction in colleges of agriculture. A multi-institutional research team initiated a program to teach agricultural and natural resource faculty how to create leadership-oriented case studies for undergraduates. Forty faculty members participated in an online training academy centered on Bolman and Deal’s Organizational Frames and case study writing. Following the academy, these faculty members participated in field experiences in the southeastern U.S. to gather data on natural disasters, which they used to write case studies about leadership in agriculture. Though the program focused on organizational leadership, it also discussed leadership in the context of natural …

A Midwest Perspective On Biochar Integration In Extension, Blake C. Colclasure, Elizabeth Bose, Jack Dempsey, Taylor K. Ruth

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Biochar can be considered a climate-smart, agricultural soil amendment due to its ability to provide long-term storage of carbon. Research examining the impacts of biochar-enriched soils reported improved soil characteristics often leading to agricultural benefits, especially in nutrient-poor soils. Despite the potential use of biochar in the Midwest, United States, few studies have examined biochar in Extension. This study, guided by the Theory of Reasoned Action, used survey methodology to collect information on Midwest Extension agents’ (n = 125) knowledge, attitudes, and subjective normative beliefs toward biochar. These factors, along with agents’ demographics and perceptions toward sustainable soil amendments, were …

Preservice Agriscience Teachers’ Perception Of Inquiry-Based Learning, John Porter, Nathan W. Conner, Christopher T. Stripling

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The process of inquiry-based learning allows learners to identify a problem or develop a hypothesis, develop a process of inquiry, and report their findings (Keselman, 2003). Twenty-six preservice agriscience teachers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln participated in focus groups to explore preservice agriscience teachers’ perceptions of developing and using science-based learning activities that use inquiry-based teaching methods. Qualitative data analysis allowed the following six themes to emerge: a) inquiry-based learning is a process, b) trainings and pre-made lessons, c) student- vs teacher-led, d) critical thinking and problem solving, e) age, skill, & prior knowledge of students, and f) time-consuming to …

Factors In Depopulation Trends Among Young Adults In Rural Areas In Mississippi, Katherine H. Ellard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine why young adults are leaving rural Mississippi towns and not returning to those areas. Research objectives were to 1) describe the characteristics of young adults who have left rural areas in the last ten years , 2) identify specific reasons why young adults choose to leave where they were raised, and 3) identify factors that would attract young people to return to rural areas in Mississippi.

Findings from this study indicated young adults were leaving rural areas for better educational and job opportunities, but some were relocating to other areas within Mississippi …

The Influence Of At-Planting Insecticide Treatments On Tobacco Thrips, (Thysanoptera:Thripidae), And Reniform Nematode, (Tylenchida:Hoplolaimidae), In Conventional And Thryvon Cotton Systems, Walker Brett Farmer

Theses and Dissertations

One of the objectives of this research was to evaluate the need for an additional imidacloprid seed treatment on ThryvOn^® (Bayer Crop Science^®, St. Louis, MO) cotton to effectively manage tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds). While evaluating thrips densities and damage ratings, ThryvOn cotton continued to display reduced damage and thrips populations than non-ThryvOn. Thrips populations and damage ratings were consistently reduced when incorporating a higher rate of imidacloprid, but they were not reduced enough to justify the higher rates of imidacloprid. Another objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of aldicarb (AgLogic Chemical^{® …}

Community Science Online: Building Capacity For Native Bee Monitoring, Lauren Vilen, Lisa Mason, Sarah Viders, Jill Zarestky

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Native bees are crucial for sustainable productivity in natural, agricultural, and urban ecosystems, but they are losing natural habitat spaces. Extension can facilitate community science programs to collect ecological data on native bee populations and support pollinator conservation. Native Bee Watch, an in-person community science program, transitioned to a hybrid format where volunteers received online training and support for conducting field-based data collection. This article presents the volunteers’ perceptions of the program training, support, and bee monitoring based on surveys and data analytics collected from technology tools. Study results indicate redesign successes and challenges and provide insight on how to …

An Analytic Needs Assessment For Extension Education: Views From Extension Professionals And Faculty, Joseph L. Donaldson, Donna Graham, Shannon Arnold, Lisa K. Taylor, K. S. U. Jayaratne

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This study describes professional development for Extension educators and curricula expectations for those preparing for Extension careers – as perceived by members of the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) and Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP). We relate and differentiate findings from two surveys with open-ended questions. Regarding professional development, JCEP respondents identified program planning and evaluation, but AAAE respondents prioritized research methods. JCEP respondents prioritized practical experiences in Extension Education college courses, and AAAE members reported some practical Extension experiences in the college curriculum. College faculty may apply the results for impactful academic, professional development, and research programs.

United We Stand? Investigating The Impact Of Unified Dues Agreements Between State And National Career & Technical Education (Cte) Professional Organizations On Cte Funding In The Southern States, Justin Ryan Hall

Theses and Dissertations

Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers have long been active in lobbying the federal and state governments in support of CTE through their professional organizations, but these are not traditionally considered interest groups. This study sought to determine if the formal relationships—dues agreements—between the two largest national professional organizations, and their state affiliates had an impact on state funding for CTE. The impacts of professional organization unity, membership rates, and lobbying expenses on state-level CTE funding were analyzed through the lens of interest group theory, a subfield of political science. Within this population (N = 13), 1) a link …

Assessing Virtual Free-Choice Agricultural Learning: A Mixed Methods Approach, Richard John Kennedy

Theses and Dissertations

Since the mid-19th century, agricultural museums and living history sites, first in Scandinavia and then in the United States and Canada, have provided historical, cultural, and, sometimes, scientific information about farming to visitors. Many of these visitors have been school children on field trips. Assessment of this learning, however, has been scant, particularly within the free-choice style inherent in these types of educational venues. At the same time, assessment of free-choice learning, often analyzed through the Contextual Model of Learning (Falk & Dierking 2000), has taken place at educational sites like zoos, natural history museums, and science centers. This study, …

The Employability Of State Ffa Degree Recipients In Alabama, Kailee D. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Many high schools have shifted from comprehensive graduation exams to a focus on College and Career Readiness. A common method used to determine when a student is college and career ready is a Career Readiness Indicator (CRI). Many CRIs demonstrate a benchmark learning goal for students. Among academic-based CRIs are Career and Technical Education (CTE) industry credentials. Credentials are just one way that agriculture classrooms contribute to student success. This study compiled existing research on CRIs and employability skills in CTE students to determine how the State FFA Degree could potentially fit into this category as well as highlight specific …

Is Agriculture Being Implemented In Private School Classrooms? The Impact Of Teacher Willingness And Availability Of Resources., Casey Moss

Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural literacy has been a topic of concern as most of the population have little to no understanding of agriculture, and the impact it has on society. Agricultural literacy can be defined as “having knowledge and understanding of agriculturally related scientific and technologically based concepts and processes required for personal decision making” (Meischen & Trexler, 2003, p.44). Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the significance of agricultural literacy beginning with elementary aged children and continuing through high school. The majority of studies conducted focus on public school students and teachers. This has led to a gap in the knowledge …

The Guatemala Rabbit Project: A Household Agricultural Intervention Program Evaluation Using The Re-Aim Framework, Jessica Martin Graves

Theses and Dissertations

Amongst the breathtaking and mountainous landscapes of the Western Highlands is a highly indigenous Mayan population stricken with challenges of food insecurity and extreme poverty. Despite efforts by governmental and non-governmental organizations alike to combat these challenges, the results of chronic malnutrition have led to some of the highest child stunting rates in all of Guatemala, particularly in the department of Totonicapán, where this study took place. To date, information is limited regarding agricultural programs that utilize the rabbit as a model to reduce food insecurity in Guatemala. Thus, a novel agricultural education program, Guatemala Rabbit Project (GRP), was developed …

Perceptions Of Middle School Students On Gardening, Julie B. White

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions middle school students had about agriculture and gardening as part of the GrOW (Gardening and Overall Wellness) Program. This included multiple constructs, including students’ gardening efficacy, perceptions of those who had already completed the GrOW Program, perceptions of those who had not completed the GrOW Program, and students’ future interests in gardening. The population for this study was sixth-grade students at the Partnership Middle School in Starkville, Mississippi. A quantitative instrument was used to assess the perceptions of the students (n = 222).

Overall, students had positive perceptions about the …

Implementing Food Science-Based Instruction In Career Technical Education Courses, Jasmine D. Hendrix

Theses and Dissertations

Students are exposed to food concepts in agriculture-based career technical education (CTE) courses which provide a gateway for students to become more aware of food science career pathways. Professional development for Mississippi (MS) CTE teachers is needed to effectively implement food science-based instruction since there is not a food science curriculum framework adopted in MS. The objective of this study was to assess a food science professional development training for MS CTE teachers that would increase their self-perceived knowledge of food science, self-perceived ability to conduct food science skills, and their self-efficacy to implement food science-based instruction. Thirty-one teachers participated …

Examining The Need For Parental Satisfaction With The Msu Extension Equine Assisted Therapy Program, Ashlyn Ann Kiker

Theses and Dissertations

Animal assisted interventions are becoming more prevalent in our society. Animal interventions have become a popular therapy technique that exist to aid a variety of disabilities. Equine therapeutic riding has become one of the most popular forms of animal assisted therapy for both children and adults. While research shows the importance and benefits of animal assisted therapy for children, there is a lack of research concerning parental satisfaction within therapeutic riding programs.

This study tested a newly developed instrument for measuring parental satisfaction for therapeutic riding programs. The Parent/Caregiver Evaluation Tool (Kerr, 2021) was administered to parents/caregivers whose children participated …

Seasonal Management Strategies For Tarnished Plant Bug, Lygus Lineolaris (Palisot De Beauvois), In Midsouth Cotton Production Systems, Ryan Taylor Mann

Theses and Dissertations

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is considered the most economically important pest of midsouth cotton. This study was designed to understand the impact of tarnished plant bug populations in the later weeks of flowering cotton and residual effects of novaluron with subsequent applications. Experiments evaluated dynamic threshold approaches in the later flowering period of midsouth cotton, the impacts of novaluron plus subsequent applications at the 3^rd week of square, as well as residual properties in a laboratory experiment. Results suggest that a dynamic late season approach can reduce the amount of insecticide applications targeting tarnished …

Precision Agriculture Gis Technologies For Mississippi, 1st. Edition, Amelia A.A. Fox

CALS Publications

Precision agriculture is meant to improve on-farm efficiency in hopes of ultimately increasing profitability while also protecting the environment. However, this difficult process almost always includes the proper management and interpretation of data. Therefore, it is imperative that those individuals involved in making such decisions are educated on these processes. In a data-driven world, this textbook is a great resource for those wanting to learn how to utilize their data in hopes of making better informed on-farm decisions.