Discusses bridging the gap between agricultural and science education; involving the science department in animal science classes; working with industry to improve educational programs; integrating science and agriculture; improving scientific literacy through an agriscience curriculum; and industry's role in developing science-based agriculture.…

Adult agricultural education has been a major component of vocational agricultural programs from the first introduction of agriculture instruction in the public schools. (SSH)

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)

The theme focuses on the importance of teaching in vocational agriculture. Includes 10 articles on effective teaching, essential elements of the problem solving approach in teaching vocational agriculture, establishing a classroom climate for success, the economics of agriculture, dealing with student behavior problems, the importance of…

This document consists of three parts. The first part is a report on a project conducted to develop computer software needed by vocational agriculture teachers in Texas. The report details the process used to assess and develop software, and provides guidelines that can be used by others in evaluating computer software for vocational agriculture…

Vocational agriculture teachers of the future will need to be managers of technology by teaching about the technology used in agriculture and by using technology as a teaching tool. Physical, biotechnological, and information technologies must be coupled with appropriate teaching strategies. (CT)

The educational potential of agriculture stems from the diversity and tangibility of its components. As a science based human activity, it may provide the educator with a unique combination of educational opportunities in a context which is authentic and accessible to the pupil and to the teacher. (JHZ)

This issue focuses upon planning, organization, and time management. Articles discuss program goals, saving failing programs, vocational agriculture program planning under the Perkins Act, program innovation, reviewing the focus of agribusiness education, the changing focus of vocational agriculture at one high school, time management for summer…

The undergraduate course in agricultural ethics has been under development at Texas A&M University for four years. The course that has evolved is the result of discussion between the philosophy and agriculture departments. The course attempts to incorporate basic economic principles that affect agriculture as well as to tie these principles to…

Although computerized instruction has been used in various educational areas for years, agricultural educators only recently started to consider its use in secondary vocational agricultural programs. Of the three roles possible for computerized instruction (CI)--tutor, tool, and tutee--only the tool role can be implemented profitably in…

Suggests that the traditional problem-solving approach to teaching vocational agriculture be reexamined and at least partially replaced with other methods. (JOW)

Discusses using the problem-solving approach to teaching vocational agriculture. Reviews the literature and the models that have evolved since the 1930s. (JOW)

These proceedings report on a project designed to help faculty and administrators in the Louisiana State University (LSU) College of Agriculture to internationalize the undergraduate curriculum of the college in order to foster students' awareness of the global agriculture environment. Through a series of six workshops, the undergraduate teaching…

Critical thinking is a cognitive skill that can be directly developed by specific practices and strategies. Creating a classroom environment that supports and nurtures critical thinking should be a consideration of vocational agriculture instructors and teacher educators. (JOW)

This article details some of the changes that have occurred in U.S. land-grant universities and colleges of agriculture, and the resulting issues and challenges facing faculty. Strategies for addressing these challenges are proposed. (Author/CW)