ERIC Number: EJ1415245
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-0541
EISSN: EISSN-2162-5212
The State of Agricultural Mechanics in the Preparation of School-Based Agricultural Education Teachers
Tyler Granberry; J. Joey Blackburn; Richie Roberts
Journal of Agricultural Education, v64 n4 p144-158 2023
Agricultural mechanics is a primary subject area in school-based agricultural education (SBAE). Despite a high prevalence in SBAE, preservice and in-service SBAE teachers have frequently expressed concerns regarding teaching agricultural mechanics. Early 21st-century research documented the characteristics of preservice SBAE teacher training in agricultural mechanics, although more recent studies have suggested that the agricultural mechanics training requirements have changed. This study sought to compare the agricultural mechanics preparation of preservice SBAE teachers between 2000 and 2021. A survey instrument was distributed to a representative of every institution with an undergraduate SBAE teacher preparation program in the contiguous United States, resulting in an 86.7% response rate. We drew comparisons in the data to previous studies from 2000 and 2005. The findings included a reduced average number of required agricultural mechanics credit hours over time. Faculty perceptions of importance and preservice teacher preparation had increased slightly; however, deficits were in all competency groups. Further research is warranted to determine the perceptions of preservice and in-service SBAE teachers regarding agricultural mechanics. Recommendations include that teacher educators evaluate current preparation methods for preservice SBAE teachers and provide professional development in the areas of the greatest observed training deficits.
Descriptors: Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture Teachers, Preservice Teachers, Preservice Teacher Education, Agricultural Education, Undergraduate Study, Required Courses, Metal Working, Energy Conservation, College Credits
American Association for Agricultural Education. P.O. Box 7607, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, Raleigh, NC 27695. Web site: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/index
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A