Examining inquiry-based learning stages of concern for high school agriscience teachers

There is documented need for improvement of science comprehension amongst high school students in the United States, and inquiry-based learning (IBL) is a recommended teaching strategy to improve science comprehension. Several researchers have focused on examination of learning outcomes for students, but few have researched the concerns of teachers who may wish to adopt IBL methodology. This study used the stages of concern questionnaire to profile ten Midwest high school agriscience teachers’ concerns regarding implementation of IBL, before and after participation in a year-long professional development program where IBL lessons were developed and used in the participants’ high school classrooms. Results indicated that while some participants showed a positive progression in their stage of concern, most professional development program participants did not progress in their concern stage, and some developed increased resistance to IBL as a teaching strategy. This suggests that teachers may need more robust and tailored support when adopting IBL for their classrooms.

Understanding Extension for School-Based Agricultural Education #1: Extension 101

This article and series were designed primarily for use by secondary agriscience teachers in school-based agricultural education programs (SBAE) to help build a strong understanding of Extension and the role of Extension professionals. An important part of access and use of Extension services is understanding its background, structure, and function. This initial publication in the Understanding Extension for School-Based Agricultural Education series provides agricultural educators and the general public with a basic understanding of Extension. This new 4-page publication of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication was written by Debra Barry, John Diaz, Alyssa Shepherd, Jennifer Patton, and Stephen Gran.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc372

Remote instruction and distance education: A response to COVID-19

The purpose of the qualitative study was to explore how middle and secondary school agriscience teachers define remote instruction and distance education. This research was conducted as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data for the study were collected during the time schools were closed and/or offering remote instruction. A purposive sample of seventeen agriscience education teachers in the States of Alabama and Georgia were selected for this qualitative study. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire and analyzed using constant comparisons. The conceptual framework of this study was developed using transactional distance theory and bound by strategic analysis. Findings showed that secondary agriscience education teachers did not collectively define remote instruction and distance education in the same manner. Some defined them similarly, and some noted specific differences in how the terms are defined and used. These teachers identified strengths and opportunities that should be exploited and weaknesses and threats that should be mitigated. Recommendations for training in appropriate use of distance education delivery strategies are provided. Recommendations for additional research into the impact on student learning are provided.