The purpose of this study was to identify and describe factors that influence senior agricultural education students' choice to become a secondary agricultural education teacher. The study focused on the extent to which students' beliefs and attitude about teaching influenced their intent to select teaching secondary agricultural education as a…

Modern adolescents are faced with a variety of choices regarding how to spend their free time. As recruitment and increased student participation continues to be a major priority of the National FFA Organization, it is essential to explore the reasons why students make the choice to become or not to become a member of FFA. This study was a part of…

The purpose of this study was to investigate student perceptions toward factors influencing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) participation. This descriptive study was conducted in 120 randomly selected agricultural education programs throughout four purposively selected states representative of the National FFA regions. Within each state…

The purpose of this study was to investigate student Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) knowledge and participation. This descriptive study was conducted in 120 randomly selected agricultural education programs throughout four purposively selected states representative of the National FFA regions. Students completed a questionnaire assessing…

The purpose of this study was to conduct an internal evaluation of the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event (CDE) through analysis of individual and team scores from 1996-2006. Data were analyzed by overall and sub-event areas scores for individual contestants and team event. To facilitate the analysis process scores were…

FFA and 4-H are two youth-based organizations that cite leadership development as a key foundational component. The purpose of this study was to review and document the historical development of leadership events and activities in both programs. Evidence can be found of leadership development in schools, conferences, and camps. Leadership-related…

The purpose of this study was to determine if a need exists to establish an organization specifically for preservice agricultural science teachers and if so, the attributes of such an organization. Selected peer preservice agricultural education programs were examined and focus groups were conducted with preservice and inservice teachers. Results…

Nine former members of New Farmers of America (NFA), an organization for black agriculture students from 1927 until the 1965 merger with Future Farmers of America, were interviewed. NFA helped develop leadership and human relations skills; black agriculture teachers played a pivotal role. Merger led to decline in black leadership in agriculture…

Future Farmers of America (FFA) members (n=291) who attended the Washington Leadership Conference completed a leadership skills inventory. Size of FFA chapter, involvement in activities, and service as an officer were slightly positively correlated with perceptions of leadership skills. (Contains 18 references.) (SK)

In a study of 442 freshmen in an agriculture college, participation in a learning community did not significantly influence achievement or retention for sophomore year. However, those involved in Future Farmers of America or 4-H had higher cumulative grade point averages and higher rates of retention than those not involved. (Contains 20…

From 1931-1944, Future Farmers of America made 157 radio broadcasts to acquaint the public with the organization's activities and its contribution to the war effort; these shows inspired state affiliate broadcasts. Membership grew from 60,000 to 80,000. (Contains 22 references.) (SK)

A survey of secondary agriscience students in North Carolina (167 Future Farmers of America members, 237 nonmembers) indicated that the decision to join/not join the organization was influenced by its image in the school and its ability to meet affiliation needs. Gender, ethnicity, agriculture coursetaking, and grade level did not influence…

According to a survey of 174 West Virginia 4-H members aged 13-18, the Internet and word of mouth were most effective in recruiting new members. Active messages stressing camps, fun, and friendship had the most influence on retention. A statewide marketing plan was recommended. (SK)

Extension agents and 4-H Club leaders (n=115) rated the following as effective recruitment techniques: an active club, word of mouth, interesting programs, and members' active role. Successful retention techniques included effective leaders; praise, motivation, and encouragement; and fun meetings, programs, and activities. (SK)

The Youth Leadership and Life Skills Development Scale was completed by 282 of 316 Iowa Future Farmers of America (FFA) members. The strongest relationship appeared between their scores and FFA leadership activities. Other factors affecting life/leadership skills development included after-school jobs, years in FFA, grades, and gender. (SK)