Responding to a call for national reform of mathematical education, as well as a college-wide revision of general education (GE) requirements, we describe a new entry-level, GE course focused on the humanitarian utility of mathematics. This includes a detailed overview of how we taught the course using a Humanitarian MATLAB Lab Manual developed…

For Michigan State University Extension, the Berrien County 4-H Tractor Operator Program has provided tractor safety education to teens for over 30 years. The certification training satisfies current requirements for operation of a 20 PTO HP or greater agricultural tractor by 14- and 15-year-old youth employed on property "not" owned,…

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate…

Iraq, formerly known as Mesopotamia, is the birthplace of agriculture. The recent war and instability have significantly impacted the country's agricultural production and knowledge support systems. To support revitalization of the Iraqi agricultural system, the USDA funded a consortium of five U.S. universities (Washington State University,…

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate…

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through…

This paper is concerned with gendered embodiment of agricultural work, particularly the connection between women's gender identity and the body at work. Focussing on how the body enters into relations with the tools of work, four processes are identified by which women's bodies, work and machinery are incorporated into each other and give each…

Numerous technical areas in agriculture require expertise in sales and service that can be taught through the supervised occupational experience program (SOEP). The SOEP will provide the necessary contact for articulation between business and education so badly needed in vocational agriculture. (JOW)

Describes the training program for farm equipment over-the-counter parts sales which makes use of a parts inventory control simulation supported by a computerized inventory system to develop entry-level competencies. Discusses advantages of the program, such as (1) it is a realistic simulation, and (2) students receive immediate feedback. (LRA)

Five articles in this issue focus on safety education in agricultural laboratories. Topics discussed include teacher liability; elements of a safety instruction program; state and federal safety standards; ground fault current protection; and eye protection requirements and equipment. (SK)

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through…

Focusing on vocational agriculture in supplies and services, this series of articles addresses topics such as challenges in secondary training, advisory committees, school-business cooperation, and cooperative training in agricultural equipment management. (LRA)

Describes five elements of the vocational agriculture program at Chillicothe (Missouri) Area Vocational School: (1) production agriculture program, (2) agribusiness program, (3) postsecondary farm management program, (4) postsecondary farm equipment repair program, and (5) adult farm management core program. (LRA)

Describes and evaluates the Nigerian Manpower Project in a community college in Illinois during which two groups of Nigerian trainees were enrolled in an agricultural mechanics program. Describes the scope and restrictions of the project, the sources of student discontent, the ambiguity of project goals, and other specific problems. Presents…

This report is one of seven that identify major new and emerging technological advances expected to influence major vocational education program areas and to describe the programmatic implications in terms of skill-knowledge requirements, occupations most directly affected, and the anticipated diffusion rate. Chapter 1 considers technology as…