The aim of the study is to substantiate methodological approaches to the agricultural educational program development on the basis of a modular-competence-based approach, which provides training for the experts of the agricultural industry, capable of implementing a federal scientific and technical program in the future for the development of…

Societal changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have shown the importance of both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills in virtual environments. Two midwestern university instructors joint-taught their spring 2021 agricultural education and training program development courses, bringing students together in virtual teams during the…

Distance Education (DE) provides a means for which people, who are unable to attend on-campus courses for any of various reasons, to receive a college education. While there are many benefits cited for DE and many students show a partiality towards DE (Guthrie, 2009; Kelsey, Lindner, & Moore, 2002; Koch, Townsend, & Dooley, 2005; Mink…

An agricultural teacher educator states that one of the most important tasks facing agricultural educators is the determination and refinement of the competencies required of teachers. Also necessary is the determination of how these competencies are best acquired and evaluated to assure high quality standards. (JH)

In Sweden, higher education in agriculture is provided exclusively by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The 130 students admitted to the Master of Science program in agriculture annually may choose to specialize in one of six specialty areas (plant science, animal science, food science, biotechnology, economics, and engineering),…

In light of the need for agricultural specialists in Africa the author analyzes various models for graduate agricultural education in relationship to the stages of development of the agricultural industry and discusses several means of insuring standards: entry qualifications, integration of course work into the program, staffing, and laboratory…

Describes the Agricultural Satellite Corporation, a consortium of universities and organizations established to conduct agricultural information and instructional services through advanced telecommunications. Looks at incentives that can motivate faculty to plan and deliver distance education programs. (JOW)

Following a brief description of the economic background of Venezuela, this article focuses on the National Institute of Cooperative Education (INCE) program which trains farmers and students, ages 14 to 20. Discusses the cooperative agreement between Pennsylvania State University and INCE to provide in-service training for INCE personnel and…

This discussion of teacher shortage covers the need for well qualified teachers in vocational agriculture/agricultural education programs and factors most influential in causing teachers to leave the vocational agriculture field. Suggested changes in teacher preparation programs are also discussed. (SH)

The author gives his view of the role of the adult agricultural educator. He examines the expansion of functions represented in this role, the importance of strong undergraduate programs, setting an example for students, program improvement and adjustment activities, and the team approach. Suggestions for revitalizing the profession are given. (CT)

Theme articles discuss how students learn; how Future Farmers of America (FFA) enhances the process; how FFA helps in teaching employability skills; how FFA programs are developed; how teachers can be more effective in motivating students; how FFA can be incorporated into the curriculum; the value of FFA; and the place for collegiate FFA. (JOW)

Includes "Profession's View of Agricultural Education (AE)" (Christiansen, Briers); "AE: A View from Inside the Classroom" (Pieniazek, Pieniazek); "Managing Change in AE" (Herring); "Image vs. Substance" (Shinn et al.); "AE Profession" (Smith); "Expanded Mission, Expanded Challenges for…

The Task Force on Career Planning and Placement in the University of Florida's College of Agriculture (COA) reviewed career planning and placement services available to COA students and made recommendations to define, expand, and improve the COA career planning and placement program. COA has a strong need for a comprehensive career planning and…

Efforts to strengthen faculty involvement in international programs that were undertaken by Cook College, the agricultural and environmental unit of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, are discussed. Reasons for international program activities are identified, including program enrichment, the self-interest of the university, and…

Insights gained in starting a teacher education program in agriculture at the Alafua (Western Samoa) campus of the University of the South Pacific (USP) are shared by a Cornell University faculty member who served as a technical assistant. The activity was part of the South Pacific Regional Agricultural Development Project, which was funded by the…