The Group Embedded Figures Test and Van Tilburg/Heimlich Teaching Style Preference instrument were completed by 31 agriculture student teachers (58% over age 25). Females were more field independent than the general female population. Overall, field independence was the preferred learning style and student-centered was the preferred teaching…

Usable needs assessment data from 66 agribusinesses and 61 associations showed they preferred distance education programs that were individually targeted or general programs on contemporary issues or for certification/licensure. Proprietary programs were desired on training, new products, and marketing strategies; however, there was concern about…

In Georgia 16 classes of second graders and 12 of fourth graders were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group was taught the Agriculture in the Classroom curriculum. Compared to controls' test scores, the experimental group effectively learned agriculture concepts regardless of whether they were in rural or urban areas, grouped randomly or by…

Surveys and observations of 28 agriculture faculty showed that they aspired to balance classroom discourse across all levels of cognition. However, most actual discourse took place at lower levels, regardless of course level or subject. (SK)

An agricultural innovation (nitrogen testing) had been used by 127 of a sample of 220 farmers. Adoption of the technique was influenced by information and change agents' attitudes. Adopters were also motivated by cost savings. Both adopters and nonadopters either did not have or use soil sampling skills needed to perform the test correctly.…

Analysis of 162 articles from the "Journal of Agricultural Education" showed that 11 journals received at least 5 citations (51% of total citations). Agricultural educators tended to publish in only 6 of 18 topics. The number of times an article was cited increased from 4.2 in 1982 to 11 in 1990. (SK)

The Group Embedded Figures Test and Developing Cognitive Abilities Test were completed by 92 of 196 agriculture seniors. Using multiple linear regression, nine percent of variance in critical thinking was uniquely accounted for by learning style, suggesting that it is a significant variable that must be considered in developing critical thinking…

Telephone interviews with 390 of 400 college students revealed an overall favorable impression of food safety and agriculture's impact on the economy and environment. Males were more positive about animal welfare and production agriculture. Gender, college major, and hometown were related to attitudes about agriculture issues. (SK)