The Bases of Agricultural Education

It's that time of year again, where everyone in northeast Pennsylvania is going crazy for the Little League World Series. Growing up only about an hour from where the games are held each year I to am one of "those" people. As I watch the games this year I am finding that I am thinking of more than just baseball. It may be because it is the first week of classes at Penn State or I have turned over a new mindset, I find myself thinking about teaching. I know you might be what do teaching and baseball have to do with each other, just let me tell you!

As I prepare to become an agricultural educator, I realize more and more that there is a lot more to it than just standing in from of the room, writing some words on a chalk board, and hoping that my students are learning something. Agricultural education is like no other form education and because of that it is not always easy. As an agricultural teacher you must be playing each base while also thinking about the next move all at the same time. Lets discuss the bases of agricultural education.

First Base: Classroom and Laboratory Instruction. An educator must be versed in various subject matter content. In addition to being knowledgeable an educator must plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction, with the overall goal of students learning the material.

Second Base: Supervised Agricultural Experience. SAE programs should be developed around students' interests, giving them the opportunity to explore potential career interests. In addition, to explorations students will gain valuable knowledge in record keeping and basic career skills through their SAE responsibilities.

Third Base: FFA. In order for a student to be fully prepared for those future career opportunities they must gain skills and knowledge for the work force. Through FFA students are able to gain professional skills in public speaking, job interview, and specialized knowledge through career development events.

The game plan:

 As educators we must have a plan to accomplish the goal at hand. That game plan must always be shared with the students to ensure their success when they hit the field. Each game plan must have; meaning, sequencing, provide structure, and clarity.

Game time:

Not every student is going to be prepared to hit the field at the same time or be equipped to play every position. We must understand the prior knowledge of subject matter that a student has and build off of their individual skills. Teachers can build off that prior knowledge to build anticipation and motivation to learn.

While the ideal ending to baseball is for your team to win, I believe there is something more important that happens before that point. Players learn the skills of the game giving them a greater appreciation for the win. It's the motivation of the outcome and the willingness to learn "that which gives direction and intensity of behavior." In addition, your players (students) will have an even greater motivation to win if they are given ownership of the game plan, by helping to formulate the plan ensures active student involvement.

Home Run:

In little league when a home run is hit, the players teammates clear out the dugout, flood the field and give praise to that player. Students should be given the same praise when they acquire new knowledge develop a new skill.

The Strike Out:

Not every player gets a hit every time. Students are not always going to gain the knowledge the first time or maybe even three times, and that is okay. It's important to learn from the strike out in order to develop desired behaviors.

The "W": The real win comes when the hard work pays off and a student gains new knowledge.

Baseball and teaching really are not all that different. As a coach in the classroom as teacher lays down the game plan, develops an understanding for each player, provides ample practice time, reference positive behavior, and shares the success with their players.

How will you as an educator leave it all out on the field?

One way I will ensure that my students are gaining the most knowledge possible is by calling in the help of some assistant coaches in my community as well as utilizing the resources provided by National FFA.