Lists nine priority areas of summer activities for a vocational agriculture teacher. To insure public acceptance and support of a summer program, the teacher must be involved in public relations and publicity, communication, and community involvement. (LRA)

Planning summer programs of vocational agriculture should begin well before the summer months. Teachers should make a priority list of activities containing items such as changes or improvements in the curriculum, Future Farmers of America activities, summer supervision, professional improvement, preparation of facilities and equipment, and…

Summer programs of vocational agriculture can be both effective and accountable if they are well planned, placed into action, and publicized. Written plans should contain a daily list of activities. The effectiveness of the program will depend upon the efforts of the teacher. Public relations should continue into the summer months. (LRA)

Reviews the research on summer vocational programs and suggests how to justify a summer program. Presents major criticisms of summer vocational agriculture instructors and programs. Discusses acceptable summer activities (for example, those centering around students within the local community) and planning summer programs. (LRA)

To be effective, a teacher should sell himself/herself before selling ideas, be genuine, make learning relevant, practice goal setting, invite in outside lecturers, provide an orderly classroom setting, dress appropriately and maintain rapport, and make the most effective use of visual aids. (LRA)

Discusses the findings of a subcommittee of the American Vocational Association which examined the current information about 12-month programs of vocational agriculture. Surveyed state supervisors to determine what types of help and support were available from the state level. Discusses planning aids used in establishing and planning summer…

Vocational agriculture teachers can assist the poor reader by matching the reading ability of the student with the reading level of the textbook or reference. There are a variety of methods for rating the reading level of printed subject matter, and through their use teaching effectiveness can be increased. (LRA)

Vocational agriculture programs have many built-in aspects that can help low ability students develop a favorable self-concept. To influence a student's self-concept, a teacher must be or become a "significant other" in the student's life. In addition, teachers should create a proper classroom atmosphere and encourage/supervise student activities…

Preparation is the most important stage in teaching and is the foundation upon which all effective instruction is based. The preparation stage consists of making a lesson objective, gathering information and materials, writing a lesson plan, rehearsing, and making final arrangements. (LRA)

The problem method is an important instructional tool to make teaching more enjoyable for both the student and the instructor. To be effective the teacher must provide enthusiasm and motivation, shorter instructional units, student activities, application of the instruction, a summary at the end of each class, and various types of presentations.…

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) is more than a leadership development organization and when used as an intracurricular activity, it can serve as a teaching tool. The FFA adds advantages to the program in areas such as supervised experience, award motivation, providing real world experience, public relations, travel, and competition. (LRA)

To continue high quality secondary agriculture education programs needs must be met with strong (1) recruiting, (2) summer teachers' programs, (3) teachers' professional background, (4) classroom approach, and (5) community involvement. (LRA)

Reviews the past and future of vocational agriculture education in the United States. Discusses aspects of the program relating to social and economic change, community-based programs, teacher education, supervision, core curriculum approach, and vocational agriculture teachers. (LRA)

Describes a study of 192 first-year vocational agriculture teachers to determine their attitudes toward using the Future Farmers of America as an instructional technique. Sixteen conclusions from the analysis of data are listed. Seven recommendations for improvement of beginning vocational agriculture teachers are provided. (LRA)

Describes how the course of study is a starting point for making the Future Farmers of America (FFA) an integral part of the vocational agriculture program. Example courses of study with related FFA activities are presented for a basic agriculture class and a horticulture class. (LRA)