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AGED 420 Methods of Teaching Agriculture
4 hours (4 hours lecture-discussion, 2 hours lab)
Fall Semesters
Course Objectives
The ability to design instruction, motivate learners, lead the educational process, and manage the environment are the central functions of an agricultural educator (see framework). Those preparing for careers as agricultural educators must develop extensive skill in planning, delivering, and evaluating instruction provided to learners in various settings. Agricultural educators need to be able to develop problem-solving abilities in their learners, extend thinking, and encourage transfer of knowledge and application of general principles through the development of approved practices. They also need practice at delivering instruction so that personal improvement may be based upon specific and systematic feedback concerning their instructional performance and integrate learning based on reflection, efficacy, collaboration, professional communications, service to others, leadership development, and real-life experiences. More specific course objectives include:
- To examine the psychological aspects of learning and consider implications for providing classroom and laboratory instruction in agriculture;
- To analyze the components of problem-based teaching and compare this method to the learning process;
- To evaluate different teaching styles based on the philosophical views of the educator and the effectiveness of various teaching methods and functions based on the needs of the learners;
- To analyze learner motivation as a psychological concept and devise procedures for significantly enhancing motivation;
- To analyze the effectiveness of various teaching techniques and evaluate teaching performances;
- To prepare comprehensive, problem-based content and process teaching plans;
- To analyze techniques for providing application of what is taught and learned;
- To examine strategies for evaluating learner performance;
- To evaluate strategies for managing learner behavior and create a personal environmental management plan; and
- To analyze the unique aspects of laboratory instruction and management and identify implications of teaching.
Topics
- Needs of Learners & Creating a Felt Need
- Rapport & Interest Approaches
- Expectations & Classroom/Seminar Management
- Teaching Agricultural Literacy
- Teaching LifeKnowledge
- Designing an Action Plan
- Assessing Teaching/Training
- The Diamond of Teaching & Learning
- Designing a Unit/Program of Instruction & Core Curriculum
- Behavioral & Cognitive Approaches
- Problem-Solving Approach to Teaching
- Effective Questioning
- Student/Participant Management
- Dealing with Discipline
- Objective-Based Assessments
- Learning Standards & Teaching
- Designing & Using Instructional Training in Agribusiness Settings
- Identifying Problems & Conceptualizing Content
- Constructivist Approaches: Reap Game Simulation
- Problem-Based Learning
- Cooperative Learning
- Social Cognitive Approaches
- Developing Performance-Based Assessments
- Teaching/Training in the Field/ Laboratory
Graded Activities
- Micro-Teaching Labs (4)
- Unit Plans of Instruction (2)
- Performance-Based Evaluation