Teacher perceptions of agricultural teaching practices and methods for youth and adults in Iowa

The objectives of this study were to determine (a) the importance of selected instructional techniques, (b) the degree to which teachers should possess selected teacher characteristics, (c) the effectiveness of selected instructional methods in formal educational settings for youth and adults, and (d) the effectiveness of selected instructional methods in informal educational settings of youth and adults;Mailed questionnaires were the means employed to gather information on the research topic from the target population. Stratified sampling was the method used to select teachers to participate in the study. The total sample was 90 teachers;Frequencies were used to satisfy the objectives of this study. One way analysis of variance was used to provide information about the differences between areas, years of teaching, and age and the agricultural teaching methods used in both formal and informal educational settings for adults and youth. The t-test was used to determine the differences between the level of teacher\u27s education and the methods used in formal and informal educational settings for youth and adults. Duncan Multiple Range tests were used to determine statistically different significant mean scores among and between groups;It was observed that teaching techniques, such as involving students in the subject matter and making the subject matter useful, should be used to influence students and that teacher\u27s characteristics, such as requiring students to participate in learning activities and believing in their teaching, should be used by teachers to encourage students to participate in learning activities to understand the subject matter. Laboratory activities, discussion, field trips, and demonstrations should be used in both formal and informal educational settings to encourage students to participate in learning activities, understand the subject matter, develop creative thinking, apply information, demonstrate information, use equipment, make the subject matter clear, and share ideas. Additional research to determine the effectiveness of using methods of teaching in formal and informal educational settings for youth and adults at the secondary level is recommended