This study was conducted to examine the statistical relationship between problem solving and critical thinking guide future teaching research for agricultural educators using problem-solving approach. Students enrolled in an undergraduate genetics course College of Agricultural Life Sciences at University Florida were prompted use their criticalthinking skills while answering a context biotechnology. Students’ assessed through content analysis think-aloud protocol. Other cognitive factors...

As states face tough economic times, extension organizations are increasingly emphasizing the importance of evaluation data to show program value. However, little is known about skills and abilities professionals expected collect such data. This knowledge would help inform professional development opportunities designed target evaluation–related deficiencies. A needs assessment was conducted with Georgia determine competencies that provided greatest opportunity for development. Results...

School gardens have been an active part of United States schools since 1890, when the first school garden was established in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Since turn 20th century greatly expanded to include inner city some largest metropolitan areas country. early 1990s, continued rise popularity and incorporated into curriculum for state departments across US. The purpose this study determine what aspect (planting, maintaining, harvesting, cooking, etc.) urban program had greatest positive...

At perhaps all levels of education, strong leadership skills are often equated with the ability to engage in critical thinking, and effective oral written communication. The purpose this study was identify self-perceived expansion animal health interns’ leadership, thinking communication competencies using University Florida – Engagement, Cognitive Maturity, Innovativeness (UF-EMI) Leadership Skills Inventory (LSI) assessments. For UF-EMI, total mean score pre-critical disposition interns...

Most research on the use of animals in zoo interpretation focuses visitor knowledge and attitude change, with little emphasis characteristics used as interpretive tools. A synthesis was conducted to: (a) identify teaching tools (b) determine usefulness such information to other non-formal interpreters. involved large, active, exotic animals. Few studies have evaluated effectiveness native, locally relevant species When interpretation, native potential help educators address conservation...

In eastern forests, openings dominated by grasses, forbs, or shrubs are areas of conservation concern because they typically contain endemic, threatened, and rare plants. Understanding the ecology mechanisms tree encroachment would be valuable for managers add to a substantial body literature on forest openings. this study, we worked in grass-dominated Buffalo Mountain, Virginia using method that combined dendrochronology belt transects assess encroachment. We discovered both stable ecotones...

Teacher collaboration has been recognized as a vital component to student success. This project represents an evaluation of the researchers’ initial efforts toward providing in-service education for teachers focused on between math and CTE teachers. The purpose this study was (1) describe selected characteristics secondary CTE, (2) their perceptions concerning “value of” “willingness implement” instructional practices activities presented during professional development seminar, (3) assess...

As a discipline, environmental education (EE) has been criticized for lacking empirical evidence on the behavioral outcomes of its programs. While EE activities are often associated with youth learner, teachers one target audience training programs who have received increasing attention regards to behavior change. Previous research identified numerous barriers teaching in classroom. Barriers include lack natural spaces conduct activities, little administrative support, limited time, and...

Middle school aged 4-H member participation is on the decline across nation. Research has identified reasons for declining club participation, including conflicting time commitments (with and community activities) opinions that program was boring or little kids. This study sought to gain a clearer understanding of why involvement in Camden County, Georgia steadily declined recent years. The most prevalent reason listed leaving County meeting conflicted with activities. Other included wanting...

Agricultural and natural resource leadership development programs are designed to build capacity amongst emergent established leaders within the industry. The purpose of current study was investigate characteristics program participants propose a conceptual framework which capture different contextual variables that exist for adult learners. A descriptive provides baseline participant data across range demographic both individual work-related contexts. educators directors encouraged use...

Environmental education (EE) programs, when combined with human-wildlife interactions (HWI), can trigger emotions, an essential part of attitudes that influence pro-environmental behaviors (PEB). We used participant observation and a post-event evaluation survey to investigate emotional response HWI among participants from marine educational programs at the University Georgia Marine Education Center Aquarium, Savannah, GA. found during demonstrated positive (e.g., empathy) negative emotions...

The purpose of the reported trend study was to examine consistency in youth life skill outcomes following exposure 4-H camp. Parents campers ages 9 13 were randomly sampled 2001, 2004, and 2007 asked report changes their child’s behavior Statistical analysis indicates an overall parent reports development over time. Life skills that showed consistent gains seven years across six educational centers included enhanced ability for take care own things share work responsibilities. Multivariate...

The National 4-H Council developed the Health Rocks substance abuse educational program to prevent youth from engaging in risky behaviors. was presented 2010 more than 8,000 middle school Georgia. A post-then-pre evaluation conducted with who completed 10 hours of instruction determine if changes knowledge, beliefs/attitudes, skills, and behavioral intentions occurred during course program. This study sought measure impact critically evaluate questionnaire used. data revealed statistically...

This study examined the effect of naming animals used in education on knowledge retention college students. Researchers implemented owl educational presentations to students using a live during each presentation. The control group was given common name whereas treatment only an anthropomorphized for owl. Students completed questionnaire following Findings indicated that significantly retained more information adaptations than group. Future research should explore use names education,...

As the U.S. population becomes more diverse, Extension is called upon to modify its programming meet needs of changing constituency. Georgia created a professional development curriculum assist professionals in crafting effective for rapidly growing Latino population. The study reported here explores qualitatively how experienced their Cross-Cultural Immersion Program (CCIP). Through an interview-based study, three themes emerged from data. participants experienced: (1) diverse familial...

Much is known about the benefits of interacting with animals for learners. However, little animals’ potential influence on communication ability presenter/educator. The purpose this qualitative study was to describe experience undergraduate students who used live (baby chicks, turtles, salamanders, and non-venomous snakes) during in-class outreach presentations role in influencing their ability. an instructor teaches such also examined. A purposive sample enrolled introductory environmental...

Many universities and professional associations recognize excellence in teaching with awards; however, research findings on the impact of an award identity are mixed. The objective this study was to qualify receiving a National or Regional United States Department Agriculture Teaching, Extension, Research Award (TERA) identity. Secondarily, explored how well award-winning teachers’ self-identities behaviors corresponded recognized characteristics excellent teaching. A phenomenological...

Agricultural science programs have provided many opportunities for leadership education through classroom, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and FFA Organization activities. Past studies focused on developed activities such as career development events (CDE), SAE activities, conventions, other intra-curricular activities; however, little research has the type of curriculum materials used to teach in classrooms. This study a qualitative survey determine what were being by teachers...

Many studies have examined the positive learning outcomes of environmental education (EE), yet few questioned means for achieving such through non-formal teaching methods. Six interviews and four observations were conducted with 4-H educators in Georgia. Study participants defined effective instruction Georgia EE as novel student-centered, where educator utilizes their own distinct styles, management environment, extra resources while capitalizing on teachable moments. Educators worked to...