University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

While educators grapple with the centuries old challenge of aiding student learning, new research brings to light the potential benefits of flipping the order of classroom instruction, challenging the traditional teaching model of presenting a lecture first, followed by a lab. Assistant professor Dr. Kasee Smith conducted a study published in the Journal of Agricultural Education examining how matching teaching approaches with student learning styles enhances educational gains. Smith’s research is rooted in experiential learning theory, which recognizes two approaches in grasping knowledge. According to the theory, some people’s learning generally improves with abstract conceptualization, or by thinking through concepts and crafting theories based on observations. This learning style is provided with lectures and readings. Others learn more efficiently through immersion in concrete experience, a hands-on approach to learning directed by tangible activities and exe

The College of Agricultural and Life Science has  many staff and faculty   working hard  to foster a quality student experience.  We have chosen to launch a series highlighting the CALS Academic Programs Office,  starting with the Assistant Director of Recruitment, Audra Cochran.

     J.R Morrow                              Genesee High School One of the highlights of an Ag Teacher is watching the freshman as they file into your class the first week of school. As I start to work with these “newbie’s” I am doing more than just teaching them.  I am instantly in recruitment mode trying to see what part of FFA would this freshman like and what part of FFA would that freshman like….etc. As these students progress through your program there is no better feeling than seeing a meek freshman turn into a chapter officer by the time they are senior. There are so many facets to FFA and if you try to include all of them at once you will burn out in a hurry. Picking one or two a year to incorporate or to concentrate on has really helped me stay focused.  I have found that making good community contacts early in my career really helped me succeed and keep my sanity when things weren’t going in the direction I planned. Our program includes classes in fabric

The start of the new semester and new year, also kicks off the start of a new term for a new CFFA Executive Officer team. Elected in November at the Fall Banquet, the team is very excited to kick off their year- starting with the annul executive board retreat. The team brainstorming new ideas for the year This year, the retreat was hosted by Dr. Smith on Saturday, January 27 th . Prior to the retreat, the team had never worked together nor even knew each other. However, after an afternoon full of leadership building activities, brainstorming sessions, an intense pizza making competition, and the development of the chapter’s program of activities, they feel prepared and ready to take on another incredible year. CFFA Reporter, Sydney Candler, said “The retreat was great! Being able to come together and create a connection with my teammates was invaluable. I am so excited for our year!”. Taking part in a leadership building activity! CFFA will kick off its 2018 year with