Community colleges have a strong history of providing vocational education and occupational training to meet changing workforce demands of local industries. In the Midwest, agricultural industries have expressed an expanding need for middle-skilled workers with postsecondary, pre-baccalaureate credentials. The 21st century agricultural landscape…

This longitudinal trend study sought to compare the perceptions of preservice agricultural education teachers, enrolled in a Metals and Welding course at a land grant university, on their welding related skills at the beginning of the semester to their final course grade at the end of the semester. Preservice agriculture teachers (N = 240) who…

Operation PFI (Protecting Farmer's Investments), a Statewide program in Mississippi to stimulate agricultural mechanics instruction, has proven very effective. Ke- factors to its acceptance were thorough planning, teacher involvement, and a multi-faceted approach. (EA)

This teacher's guide is designed to accompany the Tractor Mechanic Competency Based Education (CBE) Curriculum (CE 022 480). The following information is included: a discussion of the uses of the Tractor Mechanic CBE curriculum; definitions of related terms; the table of contents for the Tractor Mechanic CBE curriculum; a list of competencies by…

OBJECTIVES WERE TO DETERMINE--(1) THE MECHANICAL COMPETENCIES AND UNDERSTANDINGS NEEDED BY EMPLOYEES IN TWO OFF-FARM AGRICULTURAL OCCUPATIONS, AND (2) THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COMPETENCIES NEEDED BY THESE EMPLOYEES AND SUCCESSFUL FARMERS. DAVID TUGEND'S SURVEY INSTRUMENT WAS THE BASIS FOR AN INSTRUMENT USED TO INTERVIEW RANDOM SAMPLES OF 25…

Learning activity packages are presented for instruction in tractor mechanics. The packages deal with the duties involved in maintaining the fuel system. The following fourteen learning activity packages are included: servicing fuel and air filters, servicing fuel tanks and lines, adjusting a carburetor, servicing a carburetor, servicing the…

The document provides 17 outlines of brief instructional units in mechanics, which are intended for incorporation into an existing program of study in ornamental horticulture at the secondary or postsecondary level. To facilitate the flexible use of the outlines, a grid is presented on which seven occupational areas (such as aboriculture,…

Fifty successful young Texas farmers evaluated agricultural mechanics skills (in the broad areas of farm power and machinery, farm shop, farm electricity, buildings and conveniences, and soil and water management) in terms of their importance. Teachers can use the findings to plan course content relevant to their students' needs. (AJ)

Learning activity packages are presented for teaching tractor mechanics. The first of two sections deals with miscellaneous tasks and contains learning activity packages on cleaning the tractor and receiving new tractor parts. Section 2 is concerned with maintaining and servicing the electrical system, and it includes the following learning…

This study identified skills that should be taught in the agricultural mechanics area of production vocational agriculture courses in Texas high schools. The data were obtained from questionnaires given to 50 young farmers who had been recognized by the State Association of Young Farmers of Texas for outstanding farming programs during one of the…

Describes an agricultural mechanics instructional program consisting of three phases: the classroom instruction phase, where basic concepts, principles, and understandings are taught; the required activities phase, where one to three skills relating to the classroom are developed; and the approved activities phase, where more in-depth skill…

Because of the influence of agricultural mechanics programs at colleges and universities, it should be taught in the same manner in which teacher educators expect vocational agriculture teachers to teach in high school. These courses could serve as models for the prospective teachers to follow. (HD)