Attitudes of the students toward agricultural education in higher education in the College of Agriculture, Chiengmai University, Chiengmai, Thailand

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The purpose of this study was (1) to discover if a significant difference exists between junior and senior students and among those who upon graduation from the College of Agriculture, plan to pursue five different types of occupations, namely: farming and ranching, agricultural business, agricultural teaching, graduate school, extension agent; (2) to determine if significant differences exist in the interest levels and values held in higher education in agriculture by students in five different major fields; (3) to determine if a significant difference exists in interest levels and values held regarding the instruction program in agriculture as perceived by junior students and senior students at the college of agriculture, Chiengmai University; and (4) to investigate the relationship between juniors and seniors and their instructors as perceived by the students. The study was limited to students enrolled in the college during the year 1973- 1974, comprising a total of 44 students, 22 juniors and 22 seniors.

Findings and Conclusions: The distribution of students according to year in school and according to occupational choice revealed that more juniors chose farming and ranching than any other occupation, while the choice of seniors was equally divided between farming and ranching, agricultural business, and agricultural extension. Students were fairly well satisfied with the quality of instruction and the effectiveness of the instructional methods. No significant differences were discovered between juniors and seniors except for "stimulation of the instruction" and "availability to student." I both items seniors perceived them to be more effective and desirable than did juniors. The difference was found significant at the 0.0 level. A list of scores pertaining to texts and materials produce two significant statements: relevance and ease of understanding. Again seniors scored the items significantly higher than did juniors. The conclusion was drawn that efforts to improve relationships between instructors and students might prove fruitful, especially for juniors. Specific items in which increased efforts may be needed are (1) some improvement in selection of texts and materials, (2) increased use and better selection of audio-visuals, (3) increased use of field trips, (4) improvement of instructor stimulation and motivation.