Perceptions and activities of agriculture education teachers in US institutions of higher education regarding internationalization of the agricultural education curriculum

Abstract

Definitions of Terms CHAPTER II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE General awareness of international Economic and economic competitiveness Relevance of educational progrzuas to international students Current and future job opportunities Lagging Efforts to Internationalize the Curriculum in U.S. Institutions of Higher Education Factors that may Influence Adding Inter national Perspective to the Curriculum in U.S. Institutions of Higher Education Historical factors Language barrier Lack or insufficient budget Faculty training and development Means of Adding International Perspectives to a University Curriculum Infusion International studies majors and minors 51 Foreign lemguage instruction 51 iii

Internationalization of the curriculum as perceived by undergraduates in the College of Agriculture at Iowa State University

“…Many faculty already have considerable international experience, however it does not always "rub off' on the curriculum (Tonkin, 1988). Faculty members with international experience can often be grouped into the following categories: 1985;Domer, 1989;Harari, 1992;Hertford and Hartley, 1987;Schram, 1992;Smuckler and Sommers, 1988).…”

“…Elbashir (1991) surveyed Iowa young farmers regarding the role of international agriculture in agricultural education in Iowa. Akpan (1994) studied the perceptions and activities of agriculture education teachers in U.S. institutions of higher education regarding internationalization of the agricultural education curriculum. King (1991) surveyed faculty members in the College of Agriculture about their perceptions regarding the infusion of a global perspective into the curriculum.…”

“…King's (1991) study at Iowa State University found agricultural faculty felt that internationalization of the curriculum was important and that the agricultural curriculum should provide students with an international agriculture knowledge base. Both King (1991) and Akpan (1994) recommended that a study be conducted to determine student perceptions regarding the internationalization of the agricultural curriculum. Even earlier, in 1984, Kellogg recommended that a study be completed on the needs of agricultural students for an international dimension to educational programs.…”

Perceptions held by leaders of the National Young Farmers Educational Association regarding international agriculture: implications for agricultural and extension education

“…The literature indicates that United States' agriculture has increasingly become part of an international food and agriculture system (Akpan, 1994). Further, Akpan added that United States' international interdependence has increased through the growth in international trade.…”

“…While commitment, willingness to learn about issues in international agriculture, previous international experience, language skills, exchange programs, hosting international visitors, and leader vision, are significant factors in the process of adding international dimensions to young farmers' educational programs, Akpan (1994) emphasized the importance of the institutional linkages which allow and support the idea of internationalization of agriculture at all levels. Although efforts are continually being made to add global perspectives to all institutional programs, Ludwig and Barrick (1995) stated that "internationalization should not be viewed as a fourth dimension of agricultural education:…”