SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report
Sections
Status: Approved
Basic Information
- Project No. and Title: S1071 : A framework for secondary schools agriscience education programs that emphasizes the STEM content in agriculture
- Period Covered: 10/01/2022 to 09/30/2023
- Date of Report: 06/01/2023
- Annual Meeting Dates: 05/17/2023 to 05/17/2023
Participants
Aaron McKim, Michigan State University Tyson Sorenson, Utah State University Kevin Curry, Penn State University Jessica Blythe, West Virginia University Rachel Hendrix, West Virginia University Laura Hasselquist, South Dakota State University Catherine DiBenedetto, Clemson University Natalie Ferand, Virginia Tech Rosemarie Somors, Clemson University Nicole Ray, Fresno State Barry Croom, University of Georgia Jonathan Ulmer, Kansas State University OP McCubbins, Mississippi State University
Following introductions, the comments from the renewal proposal were shared with the group and there was a discussion of how the Impact Statement that was created for the last 5-year period could best be used. The group then discussed progress on projects under each of the objectives. There was an opportunity for attendees to share other updates to the group on related projects that might be of interest before the meeting adjourned.
Accomplishments
A number of collaborative efforts toward each of the project’s objectives were undertaken.
Objective 1: Curriculum - Facilitate the adoption and evaluate the impact of agricultural STEM curriculum:
Barry Croom and Kevin Curry are developing an effort to identify the problems that exist within post-pandemic STEM learning and develop potential interventions. A proposal is expected to be submitted to NSF in Summer 2024.
In an effort led by Johnathon Ulmer, the group is exploring the best way to disseminate and encourage use of the AG-STEM innovation configuration matrix developed during the last 5 year project period. Options being explored include making it available through the American Association for Agricultural Education and working with member institution libraries to make it available as an open education resource.
Objective 2: Teaching Methods and Techniques- Identify teaching methods, resources (facilities, equipment, materials, etc.), and instructional techniques currently utilized by agriscience teachers during exemplary Agricultural STEM instruction:
Tyler Sorenson and Aaron McKim have been working on identifying exemplary STEM practices implemented by agriculture teachers in Utah and Michigan. Interviews and data collection have been ongoing and data analysis should occur soon.
Objective 3.Professional Development: Design and evaluate professional development related to Agricultural STEM Education:
Catherine DiBenedetto and Natalie Ferand have been working on a professional development program exploring STEM concepts as applied to the floriculture industry called Stem It Up. The program shifted from full face-to-face delivery to hybrid delivery after COVID to reach more teachers. Research on the impact of the program has revealed noticeable differences in teachers’ confidence in teaching STEM concepts. This program can serve as a model for other professional development programs geared toward agriscience teachers.
Impacts
- Since this is the first year in the new project timeline there is limited impact to report, though the group is making progress toward identifying practices that can contribute to exemplary agriscience education and creating professional development programs that help agriscience teachers feel more confident in delivering STEM concepts in their curricula.