Agricultural Education Orientation

Catalog description

Examination of agricultural and extension education; exploration of aptitude and interest in teaching, including early clinical practicum. AEE 100 Agricultural Education Orientation (3) The purpose of the course is to allow students to explore the profession of teaching in both formal and non-formal settings. Students are provided opportunities, through class activities, projects, and on-site observation of teaching and learning situations, to explore the various aspects of teaching and learning. Through individual and group-work techniques students are provided the opportunity to investigate their potential interest in becoming a future educator of agriculture. Students study the history and philosophies associated with agricultural education within the state and nation. A cornerstone of the course includes instruction that allows students to understand the requirements to become certified in the state of Pennsylvania to teach Agricultural Education. This certification allows individuals to teach Agriculture in the public school system. Along with certification requirements for teaching, students investigate what it means to join the professional ranks of teachers, and the responsibilities associated with educating today's youth. Students also learn the many techniques for teaching in, and about, agriculture in today's society through actual teaching scenarios with their peers. Students plan and implement lessons related to the many areas of agriculture including, but not limited to horticulture, agricultural mechanics, animal science, plant science, forestry, wildlife, and biotechnology. During the course of the semester, students visit various agricultural education settings for observational purposes. The students investigate what is happening in the local agricultural education program related to the three major components of an agricultural education program; Classroom/laboratory instruction, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experience. These observation hours may be counted towards the Entrance to Major requirements for the Agricultural and Extension Education major certification requirements.