Historical Participation and Perceived Benefits of Participation in Pennsylvania FFA Career Development Events for Pennsylvania School-Based Secondary Agriculture Education Students
Open Access
- Author:
- Royer, Sarabeth Christine
- Area of Honors:
- Agricultural and Extension Education
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Daniel Douglas Foster, Thesis Supervisor
John Ewing, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- FFA
school-based agriculture education
agriculture education
SAE
CDE
Career Development Events
perceived benefits of CDEs - Abstract:
- Career Development Events allow secondary students enrolled in school-based agriculture education programs to explore different careers in agriculture. With adolescence being a critical time for students to consider future career aspirations, Career Development Events (CDEs) allow students to apply 21st century skills while gaining skills and knowledge required for specific agricultural careers. The purpose of the study was to critically examine participant involvement in Pennsylvania FFA Career Development Events. The objectives that guided the study included a review of historical participation, demographics of participants, and the perceived benefits of participation for students competing at the state level. While there have been studies demonstrating student participation in CDEs, there is limited research completed nationally and none in Pennsylvania on the factors students consider in the selection of which CDE to participate in nor studies examining the students’ perceived benefits of participating in CDEs. A modified approach to the Dillman Total Survey method was utilized in data collection with a researcher developed instrument based on literature and expert input pilot tested. The frame for the IRB approved study was the student participants at the 2015 Pennsylvania FFA State Convention. A response rate of 86% was achieved (982 of 1137). Constructs examined in the survey include 1) Perception of Agriculture/FFA Program, 2) Career Awareness, 3) 21st Century Skills, 4) CDE Preparation, 5) Individual Expectation/Motivation, 6) CDE Specific Questions (history of participation) and 7) Demographic Characteristics. Preliminary findings indicate that gender can be a significant factor in perceptions of skills gained from CDE participation. The researcher recommends adjustments to the instrument for future use, and also notes the need for careful and complete records of students’ participation in CDEs at the state level. Opportunities for replications of this research in this area within other states and at the national level exist.