Study of Opinions Received from Trainees in Eastern Oklahoma Regarding Procedures and Outcomes or Instruction Provided in the Veterans Agriculture Training Program

Abstract

This study attempts to develop the opinions received trom trainees in eastern Oklahoma regarding procedures and outcomes of instruction provided in the Veterans Agriculture Training Program. One-thousand and thirty-one veterans agriculture students were surveyed to verify the effectiveness of certain techniques and methods used in the training program. A questionnaire was submitted to thirty-six schools in eastern Oklahoma with 1,031 students giving their opinions. The cooperating students submitted their own comments, criticisms, and suggestions, which were given consideration in developing the revised criterion and resulting study. The average age of the students was trund to be thirty-three and six tenths years with average schooling received eight and five tenths years. The students were old enough to profit by definite changes in farming programs. Nine hundred and twenty-four students surveyed were farm raised and had twelve and three tenths years of farm experience after ten years or age. Trainees were shown to have increased the scope of farming programs substantially during the time that they were enrolled. In dairying alone trainees were shown to have increased their programs to an extent of 51.96 P.M.W.W. per trainee engaged in the dairy program. The type or educational activity most popular was class discussion of individual problems by the group. Eighty-six and nine tenths per cent indicated they were in favor of public schools offering instruction in agriculture for adults. Seventy-nine and four tenths per cent indicated home visitation by the instructor as very important. The adequacy of the training was shown to have played a big part in developing proper attitudes among the students. The young farmers gave indication or having felt-needs tor training experiences in farm management and rural living. The adequacy of such training depended upon the development of proper attitudes, appreciations, knowledge and skills resulting in the individual having the ability to choose and apply improved practices in his particular farming situation. It was indicated from the report that effective training in agriculture tor veterans can be expressed largely in the growth of individuals and attainment of vocational competence.