Caroline Black, Holli Leggette, Debbie Prince, Shannon Lawrence, and Billy McKim Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications – Texas A&M University

―Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences embraces the concept of providing students “stimulating educational environments” (Sams, 2010)

―Engage students in multiple cultures and environments ―Implement learning environments to emotionally and actively engage students

Introduction:

How it works: I. Pre-Experience Students were required to ― Complete application ― Enroll in 2 credit hour course ― Attend all scheduled class meetings ― Pay all associated trip costs

Future plans/Advice to others: ― Plan future field experiences to the National FFA Convention and

develop semester-long courses for (60+) students to experience: • Production agriculture • American resilience • Culture

―Quantitative and qualitative data were collected

―The following themes were evident in the student reflections:

• Emotion • Culture • Barriers / Risks • Professionalism • Service • Career • Desire to Know

―Upon returning to campus: • CFFA Chapter re-established • Industry career opportunities

accepted by students • Internship with Case-New Holland • Full-time position at a West Texas

feedlot • Layout and story from the

experience was published in Drive magazine

Results to Date/Implications:

Costs/Resources needed Trip cost break down: ― Van rentals + fuel + lodging = $7,000

• $500 per student • $450 (students paid)

― Food was not included in the budget price

Student participation in high-impact experiential learning activities is essential to their learning process, deepening the understanding of the outside world (Dewey, 1933; Kolb, 1984).

II. Field Experience ― 8-day field experience from Texas to

Indiana ― 7 teaching sites ― Cohort included

• 13 undergraduate students • 1 graduate student • 2 teaching assistants • 1 Fulbright Scholar • 1 assistant professor

Teaching sites: A. Joplin, Missouri B. Amish & Mennonite communities C. John Deere World Headquarters D. National FFA Convention E. Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri F. Warm Springs Ranch G. Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial *Letters correspond with map and photos

III. Post-Experience All students completed ― Two-page reflection papers ― An online questionnaire ― Final projects by major

―Provide “high levels of achievement, life and career readiness, and professional success” (Doerfert, 2011, p. 9)

―Field experience was developed for students to experience a more engaged, active, and relevant learning environment (Bringle & Hatcher, 1999, p. 83)

A. B. C. D. E. F. G.