Graduate Catalog

2012-2013

AGRICULTURAL and EXTENSION EDUCATION

Department website: http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/axed/

(575) 646-4511

cclary@nmsu.edu

C.R. Clary, interim department head, Ph.D. (North Carolina State University) – agricultural marketing, leadership, student success; T. J. Dormody, Ph.D. (Cornell) – agricultural education, leadership, and agricultural communications; J.Gleason, Ed.D. (Virginia Tech) – instructional technology, agricultural communications, and multimedia education; F. Hodnett, Ph.D. (New Mexico State) – youth development, youth leadership, youth program development; C. Rosencrans, Ph.D. (Iowa State) – agricultural mechanics, technology education and youth development; B.Seevers, Ph.D. (Ohio State) – adult and extension education; P. Skelton, Ph.D., (University of Nebraska) – youth development, sustainable agriculture and natural resource management; K. Stair, Ed.D. (North Carolina State University) – agricultural education, teacher preparation, students with special needs; D. VanLeeuwen, Ph.D. (Oregon State) – statistics and research design

DEGREE: Master of Arts
MAJOR: Agricultural and Extension Education

MINOR: Agricultural and Extension Education
International Agricultural Development and Extension

The department offers major work for a Master of Arts in Agricultural and Extension Education. The degree can be obtained with emphasis in agricultural or technology teacher education, Extension education, international extension and development, and adult non-formal education.

Courses in research methods, teaching methods, and data collection and analysis; a graduate seminar; and a thesis or creative component are required for the major. A nine-credit minor is available to students completing major work in other departments.

The Department of Agricultural and Extension Education requires the following items for admission:

• Three letters of recommendation - Applicants should request letters of recommendation from individuals who know them well enough to comment on their professional skills and abilities, and on their ability to complete graduate-level work.
• Career statement - The two-page letter of application should clearly identify applicant's professional and career goals as well as reasons for pursuing graduate school.
• Personal Interview - Upon receipt of all application materials, a personal interview may be required at the discretion of the Departmental Graduate Committee.

The above requested materials should be sent directly to the department. Do not send to the Graduate School as this will cause a delay on your admission status.

A minimum of 30 semester credits (including 4-6 credits of thesis) is required under the thesis plan. A nonthesis plan is available and requires 32 semester credits of course work (includes a focused creative component). Both plans require a final oral examination.

Flexibility in each program allows students to pursue professional interests and to develop specialized competencies in agricultural and Extension education, technology education, and in technical and scientific areas. The department delivers courses in evening, weekend, and distance formats (go to distance.nmsu.edu and click on degree programs, and then Agricultural and Extension Education) to accommodate student needs. Previous experience in teaching, Extension, and/or other professional education positions is highly recommended to be considered for graduate teaching assistantships.

AGRICULTURAL AND EXTENSION EDUCATION

AXED 456. Introduction to Research Methods 3 cr.

Introduction to research design and methodology in education and behavioral sciences. Overview of common research designs and data collection strategies. Prepares students to critique published research and understand basic skills including hypothesis development and conducting a literature search. Prerequisite: junior standing.

AXED 460. Methods in Career and Technical Laboratory Instruction 2 cr.

For students planning to teach agricultural or technology education at a secondary or postsecondary level. Focus on planning, delivering, and evaluating instruction in laboratories; and on CPR, first aid, and NCCER certifications. Laboratory safety and tool, equipment, and laboratory management systems are also emphasized. Restricted to AXED Majors.

AXED 466V. John Muir: Lessons in Sustainability 3 cr.

This course examines the life of John Muir in the context of sustainability. Muir was a farmer, inventor, explorer, botanist, glaciologist, conservationist, and noted nature author. He was influential in the National Parks movement and in starting the Sierra Club. Living in the natural world influences his faith and philosophy. By examining his life and the themes that shaped it, students will develop an understanding of what it means to live sustainably and to contribute beyond their personal lives to a sustainable past.

AXED 469. Experiential Learning in Career/Technical Education for Exceptional Learners in a Diverse Society 3 cr.

Addresses the planning, delivering and evaluation of experiential learning activities for students with special needs. Specific strategies for working with students with special needs in a shop or laboratory setting within the Career and Technical Education environment will be included. Taught with AXED 569 and SPED 569. Prerequisite(s): SPED 350. Crosslisted with: SPED 469

AXED 475. Leadership On Agricultural and Natural Resource Issues 3 cr.

Investigates leadership concepts and group dynamics as they relate to a changing world and complex agricultural and natural resource issues. Topics include emotional intelligence, leading change, political leadership, facilitating agreement, team building, and managing conflict in agricultural and natural resource settings.

AXED 480. International Agricultural Development 3 cr.

Introduction to Agricultural topics (products, people, environment, culture, etc) that affect international development. Topics provide students with awareness, knowledge and understanding of teaching, research and service opportunites for those seeking experience or careers in international agricultural development. Taught with AXED 580.

AXED 485. Agriscience Laboratory Applications 3 cr.

Students learn to set up and teach in a modular agriscience laboratory, utilizing a variety of technologies. Modules covered may vary from semester to semester, but examples are: aquaculture systems, microscopy, tissue culture, soil and water testing, electrophoresis, hydroponics, global positioning systems, robotics, and presentation technologies. Students may develop their own modules and/or experiments. Graduate students will assist in laboratory set up and delivery. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above. Main campus only

AXED 486. Effective Management of Volunteer Programs 3 cr.

For individuals currently involved in, or interested in being involved in, the management and supervision of volunteer programs. Emphasis on practical application, utilizing a research and academic base. Explores the roles, functions, and tasks of volunteers and managers of volunteers including recruitment, orientation and training, supervision, evaluation, recognition and retention.

AXED 487. The Cooperative Extension Service: An Overview 1 cr.

On-line course addressing the history, mission, philosophy, structure , program areas and delivery methods of the Cooperative Extension Service. Course is relevant for anyone pursuing a career in Cooperative Extension.

AXED 488. 4-H Youth Development 1 cr.

On-line course explores 4-H Youth Development as an integral part of the Cooperative Extension Service. Topics to be addressed include mission, philosophy, delivery modes, audiences and partnerships. Course is relevant for anyone interested in pursuing a career in Cooperative Extension.

AXED 489. The FFA Organization: An Overview 1 cr.

Online course addressing the history, mission, philosophy and structure of the New Mexico and National FFA Organizations and their relationship to supervised agriculture experiences and the agricultural education curriculum. Course is relevant for anyone interested in pursuing a career in agricultural education.

AXED 490. Independent Study in Agricultural, Extension, or Technology Education 1-3 cr.

Specific subjects are agreed upon by the student and instructor. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

AXED 499. Undergraduate Research 1-4 cr.

Research experience in agricultural, extension, and technology education with applications to selected issues and problems. Prerequisites: consent of instructor, adviser, and department head.

AXED 500. The Diffusion and Adoption of Agricultural Innovations 3 cr.

Factors that influence rates of diffusion and adoption of innovations. Consequences of adopting or rejecting innovations. Processes by which change agents influence introduction and adoption of innovations. Taught with AXED 400 with differential assignments for graduate students.

AXED 515. Youth Program Development and Management 3 cr.

Designed for professionals involved in youth group activities. Basic concepts in planning, conducting, and managing educational youth programs in a variety of organizations. Same as AXED 415 with differentiated assignments for graduate students.

AXED 525. Graduate Teaching Methods 3 cr.

Examines the teaching and learning process, emphasizing the use of appropriate methods for teaching career and technical education subjects to youth or adults in formal and nonformal educational settings. Includes principles of teaching and learning styles, levels of cognition, syllabus development, lesson planning, teaching using a variety of methods, and evaluating students. For students who have no prior education in teaching methods.

AXED 530. Teaching Adults in Nonformal Settings 3 cr.

The adult and postsecondary learner; adult learning styles and principles; use of community resources and problem-solving techniques; and learning strategies for adults in formal and nonformal education. Same as AXED 430 with differentiated assignments for graduate students.

AXED 536. Keys for Agricultural and Rural Development 3 cr.

Introduction to concepts of development, the process of change, key factors that contribute to agricultural and rural development in a community, and strategies employed to effect change with implications for international students or domestic students planning to work internationally.

AXED 544. Planning and Methods in Nonformal Education 3 cr.

Identifying trends and resources of a community and planning community-based extension and nonformal education programs. Preliminary methods for teaching and evaluating nonformal education programs. Same as AXED 444 with differentiated assignments for graduate students.

AXED 545. Developing Excellent Programs in Career and Technical Education 3 cr.

Students learn to develop excellence in the three components of a successful secondary school program in career and technical education: classroom and laboratory instruction, career and technical student organizations, and career development activities. Community-based program planning, utilizing partners, program marketing, and professional development are addressed as strategies for achieving excellence. Methods of obtaining financing and maintaining accountability of the program are discussed. Same as AXED 445 with differentiated assignments for graduate students.

AXED 546. Methods for Teaching Agricultural and Technology Education 3 cr.

Methods of instruction and presentation, selection of teaching aids and support materials, classroom management, development of a complete educational program, and microteaching experiences. Same as AXED 446. Prerequisites: GPA of 3.0 or above. Restricted to AXED Majors

AXED 547. Directed Teaching in Agricultural or Technology Education 4-9 cr.

Fourteen-week off-campus professional experience in directed teaching and observation provided in selected centers under secondary agricultural and technology supervising teachers. Prerequisites: A teaching methods class and consent of instructor. Same as AXED 447 with reduced credit hours for graduate students. Restricted to AXED Majors

AXED 548. Directed Teaching in Extension Education 4-9 cr.

Four- to fourteen-week professional experiences in directed teaching and observation provided in cooperative extension at the county, regional, or state level. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Same as AXED 448 with reduced credit hours for graduate students. Restricted to majors. Main campus only.

AXED 549. Directed Field Experience in Agricultural or Technology Education 4-9 cr.

A four-to-fourteen-week supervised learning experience in an approved teaching setting with application to educational, agricultural, technological, communications, public relations, or environmental practices. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Same as AXED 449 with reduced credit hours for graduate students. Restricted to majors. Main campus only.

AXED 556. Research Methods 3 cr.

Students learn the research process as it is applied to solving problems in the behavioral sciences. Prepares students to conduct and critique research and to diffuse research findings. Implications, applications, and ethics of research also stressed. Students develop a research proposal for a problem of their choice. Same as FCSC 556.

AXED 565. New Mexico Water Issues 3 cr.

Designed for agricultural and natural resource professionals who must educate others or provide leadership on complex water issues in New Mexico. Students will travel to four distinct geographic and cultural regions of the state and study water policies, issues, and delivery technologies in each region. Specific areas covered will be determined by resource professionals who will present past, current and future issues involved in the distribution of water. Urban impacts on water use will also be investigated.

AXED 569. Experiential Learning in Career/Technical Education for Exceptional Learners in a Diverse Society 3 cr.

Addresses the planning, delivering and evaluation of experiential learning activities for students with special needs. Specific strategies for working with students with special needs in a shop or laboratory setting within the Career and Technical Education environment will be included. Taught with SPED 469 and AXED 469. Prerequisite(s): SPED 350 or SPED 500. Crosslisted with: SPED 569

AXED 571. Data Collection and Analysis 3 cr.

Introduction to basic concepts of data collection and analysis. Interpretations from observational studies and controlled experiments. Roles of descriptive and inferential statistics in a complete data analysis. Mean, median, standard deviation, and graphical summaries of data. Correlation and simple regression. One- and two-sample tests and confidence intervals. Chi-square tests and basic analysis of variance. Competency in arithmetic and algebra required. An undergraduate statistics course recommended.

AXED 575. Leadership on Agricultural and Natural Resource Issues 3 cr.

Investigates leadership concepts and group dynamics as they relate to a changing world and complex agricultural and natural resource issues. Topics include emotional intelligence, leading change, political leadership, facilitating agreement, team building, and managing conflict in agricultural and natural resource settings. Taught with AXED 475 with differential assignments for graduate students.

AXED 580. International Agricultural Development 3 cr.

Introduction to agricultural topics (products, people, environment, culture, etc.) that affect international development. Topics provide students with awareness, knowledge and understanding of teaching, research, and service opportunities for those seeking experience or careers in international agricultural development and education. Taught with AXED 480.

AXED 586. Effective Management of Volunteer Programs 3 cr.

For individuals currently involved in, or interested in being involved in, the management and supervision of volunteer programs. Emphasis on practical application, utilizing a research and academic base. Explores the roles, functions, and tasks of volunteers and managers of volunteers including recruitment, orientation and training, supervision, evaluation, recognition and retention. Taught with AXED 486 with differentiated assignments for graduate students.

AXED 590. Special Topics 1-4 cr.

Specific subjects and credits to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Maximum of 4 credits per semester. No more than 6 credits toward degree.

AXED 594. Workshops in Agricultural, Extension, and Technology Education 1-3 cr.

Workshop procedures applied to current trends in agricultural, extension, and technology education. Maximum of 7 credits toward a degree.

AXED 595. Internship/Cooperative Experience 1-6 cr.

Supervised professional on-the-job learning experience. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Maximum of 6 credits toward a degree.

AXED 597. Program Evaluation 3 cr.

Techniques to assist adult, career and technical, and nonformal personnel in making systematic appraisal of their programs.

AXED 598. Creative Component 1-4 cr.

For nonthesis program. Individual investigations or projects, either qualitative or quantitative studies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Maximum of 6 credits toward a degree.

AXED 599. Master's Thesis 1-6 cr.

Thesis.