Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
Middle school agricultural education programs across the U.S. have continued to increase, but modern systems have failed to provide support for the preparation of middle school agricultural education teachers. For instance, middle school teachers have expressed concern regarding the development and implementation of middle school agricultural curriculum. In response, this investigation sought to identify learning outcomes related to agricultural content, technical skills, and career readiness for middle school agricultural education. A modified, three-round modified Delphi study was used to identify these learning outcomes. The expert panelists consisted of 19 middle school agricultural education teachers who completed a teacher certification program and provided instruction exclusively to students in grades five through eight. In total, 145 learning outcomes achieved a consensus level of agreement of 75% or greater. Expert panelists came to consensus on 71 agricultural content topics which were categorized into 10 AFNR pathways, 19 agricultural technical skills which were categorized into eight AFNR pathways, and 54 career readiness skills which were categorized into eight themes. I interpreted the findings from this investigation using Roberts’ and Ball’s (2009) model for agricultural subject matter as a content and context for teaching, which supported these findings. It can be concluded that the expert panelists believed that agricultural content and skills should be emphasized in middle school agricultural education and that they preferred specific pathways when providing instruction. The expert panelists also valued career exploration over career preparation. As such, I recommend assessing preservice teacher knowledge of these learning outcomes to determine preparation levels. I also recommend reimagining agricultural education frameworks and proposing a new model with middle school agricultural education in mind.
Date
3-20-2025
Recommended Citation
Englin, Jacob P., "Desired Student Learning Outcomes for Middle School Agricultural Education: A Modified Delphi Study" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6696.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6696
Committee Chair
Richie Roberts
