Harper, Joe G. (author), Olien, William C. (author), and Olien: Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Clemson University; Harper: Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Education, Clemson University
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1994-05
Published:
USA: National Association of College and Teachers of Agriculture, Urbana, IL
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 96 Document Number: C07684
18 pages., via online journal., Meeting the demands of a proficient scientific workforce depends on students’ communication skill preparation. To describe students’ self-perceptions of their communication skills, we surveyed 315 students in Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Participants noted they were most proficient in their ability to listen effectively and least proficient in asking effective questions. Each communication skill characteristic showed a statistically significant difference before and after college engagement, but we found no statistically significant difference in the overall communication scores of students. Therefore, we recommend: 1) interviewing employers to understand their perceptions of entry-level employees; 2) investigating when students transition from false sense of confidence to actual confidence; 3) conducting a longitudinal study to investigate students’ perceptions of communication skills throughout their college experience; 4) evaluating faculty’s communication
teaching methods across disciplines; and 5) investigating the influence of self-reflection on students’ attained communication skills. Conducting such studies could lead to stronger connections between the academy and the industry, especially as faculty strive to align their teaching with needs of the industry.
15 pages., ISSN-1042-0541, Via ERIC., Employers have identified oral and written communications skills to be the most important skills graduates should possess when entering the workforce. In order for faculty to better understand their students' oral and written communications skills, they should understand what apprehension the students have toward oral and written communications. Specifically, no studies have been found that explore communication apprehension (CA) or writing apprehension (WA) in agricultural communications students. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore agricultural communications students' perceptions of CA and WA. Participants believe agricultural communications instructors set up an environment that is conducive to changing behavior. However, students realized and identified areas of improvement that could help them lower their CA and WA. Recommendations for practice are provided in order to help alleviate CA and WA in agricultural communications students.
Deeds, Jacquelyn P. (author), Hitchner, Mary G. (author), Johnson, Donald M. (author), and Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1992-03
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 89 Document Number: C06111
James F. Evans Collection, The writing intensive (WI) program at the University of Missouri is an unique attempt to increase written communication skills within the discipline of study of undergraduate students. A major problem of the WI experience is building of writing skills through revision of written assignments. Analytical and critical thinking skills are also a component of the WI course. The use of written assignments in a poultry production course is outlined. (original)
