Integrating Research and Education
Abstract: University faculty have numerous responsibilities, but development of our own and our students human capital is our primary job. To effectively develop human capital of others requires investing heavily in our own capital. This includes being actively involved in discovering knowledge. In addition, as agricultural economists, our clientele demand relevant research output which requires regularly informing them about our research. Conducting research, publishing and comm unicating findings to interested parties b etter equips us to provide a quality teaching program. This article presents an accumulation of evidence supporting this view and provides insights about how these activities might be integrated.
Key Words and Phrases: Education, Teaching, Research, Scholars.
Abstract: The required courses for agribusiness degrees at forty-three schools were divided into six categories. Large ranges in the percentage of required credits by category were found. Comparisons with other curricula surveys showed th at some changes occurred during the last ten to twelve years. Emphasis on business skills has increased while course work in technical agriculture has decreased. By considering customer needs and competitor innovations, departments can attempt to add mor e value to their educational products.
Key Words and Phrases: Agricultural business management curricula, Degree requirements, Communication skills
Abstract: Criteria for admission to graduate programs are used by departments and graduate schools to identify characteristics assumed to be associated with success. They allow for more uniformity in student ability and preparation so graduate education is more efficient. This study analyzes the relationship between selected student characteristics and experience and two proxies for success graduate GPA and the probability of completing an Agricultural Economics graduate program. Data are from past st udents in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas Tech University. Statistical differences among the means of student characteristics were evaluated, a regression model was estimated to predict graduate GPA, and a logistical regression was esti mated to examine the probability of not completing a graduate program. Results show some differences in characteristics between those who complete and do not complete. Graduate GPA is significantly related to citizenship, degree program, quantitative GRE scores, and previous program GPA. However, only above-average prior GPA and existence of financial assistance are significantly related to the probability of not completing a graduate program.
Key Words and Phrases: Graduate admissions, GRE scores, GPA, Logistical regression.
Abstract: International internships complement classroom instruction in preparing students for careers in the agribusiness industry. For experiential learning to be an integral part of agribusiness management training, the student, industr y and educational institution must each play a role in the design and implementation of the program. This paper discusses issues pertaining to the development and implementation of international internships and emphasizes the interrelationships between a gribusiness students, industry and educators.
Key Words and Phrases: Experiential learning, International internships, Agribusiness, Internship plan.
Abstract: This paper examines strategies for integrating decision cases in the design of college courses. The benefits of decision cases are acknowledged but teaching strategies that rely solely on decision cases are challenged. A lack of real-world experience and knowledge among students can limit the effectiveness of teaching exclusively with decision cases in undergraduate or graduate classes. In such classes, decision cases need not be the sole teaching approach. Cases are much more often combined with lectures, problem sets and other teaching techniques. Suggested guidelines for incorporating cases into the design of courses are based on five critical topics: 1) course educational objectives, 2) the sequencing of case and other course material, 3) necessary facilities, timing and support, 4) the number and mix of cases desirable in a course, and 5) evaluation of students.
Key Words and Phrases: Decision cases, Course design, Mixed pedagogy, Case-content sequencing.
Abstract: This paper examines the important issues of establishing partnerships between agribusiness education programs and industry representatives including the benefits to firms, faculty and students. Detailed information is presented o n how these partnerships are developed and implemented.
Key Words and Phrases: Agribusiness education, Agribusiness internship.
Abstract: Classroom-based learning can be enhanced for advanced agricultural economics and agribusiness undergraduate students by engaging them as partners in an applied research project. The approach described combines research, outreach and resident instruction in a single activity that produces and extends knowledge while educating students. Many of the changes suggested for agricultural, agricultural economics and agribusiness instruction are encompassed by this approach.
Key Words and Phrases: Teaching methods, Case studies, Land grant mission, Active learning, Outreach.
Abstract: Higher education is under pressure from state legislatures and other clients to reduce costs. Two information technologies increased computing power on the desktop and the World Wide Web have shifted out the meta production funct ion for instruction in higher education. The theory of induced innovation provides hypotheses about the kinds of educational practices that will attract technological change. Several sources of inefficiency in higher education are identified and likely technology-driven changes suggested. These innovations will provide the means to reduce costs in higher education.
Key Words and Phrases: Induced innovation, Learning technologies, World Wide Web