Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers

How Learning Works: Developing Mastery

Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the fifth section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how focusing on the steps it takes to reach a mastery level helps in planning lessons. 

Plugged In and Growing: Practical Tech Tools for the Ag Classroom

This episode unpacks compelling research on how diverse tech tools—from flipped classrooms to digital games—are impacting agricultural education at all levels. We reveal the growing gap between a rapidly evolving ag industry and current teaching methods, highlighting how integrating modern tech can significantly enhance student achievement, engagement, and teacher efficacy. This is a must-listen for ag teachers seeking to maintain program relevance, improve student outcomes, and equip graduates for a truly high-tech food and fiber future.

 

Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2458

Empowering Every Learner: Practical Strategies for Including Students with Learning Difficulties in SAEs

Ever wondered how confident you are in supporting students with learning difficulties in SAEs? This episode digests research exploring how Georgia ag teachers perceive their ability to do just that! We uncover findings that show teachers value inclusive practices like using IEPs and adapting instruction, but often feel only moderately competent. Discover the vital role of hands-on preparation and targeted professional development in building confidence. Get practical tips on how collaborating with special education departments and seeking specific training can empower you to effectively include all learners in every aspect of ag ed, especially SAEs!

 

Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2841

How Learning Works: Motivation

Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the fourth section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how focusing on student motivation can help students learn. 

Cultivating Inclusion: Practical Strategies from the Field for Ag Teachers

How can your ag program be a game-changer for students with special needs? This episode unpacks vital research exploring ag teachers' confidence and strategies for inclusion. We reveal how hands-on agricultural experiences are uniquely effective at building occupational skills, self-identity, and confidence, directly impacting future employment. Discover the importance of targeted professional development and concrete, adaptable instructional approaches that foster meaningful participation for every student. This is a must-listen for creating an inclusive, skill-building ag program that truly benefits all learners.

 

Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/133

What Parents Want: Turning Support for Ag Literacy Into Classroom Success

Imagine parents as your biggest allies in ag ed! Amelia Miller explains groundbreaking national research on how much value parents place on their children learning about agriculture in school. Discover the surprising finding that parents overwhelmingly see agricultural topics as "very important" for K-12 students, regardless of their own background! Get ready for practical insights on how you can build stronger bridges with families, leverage this incredible parental interest for program growth, and partner with organizations like PTOs to position parents as powerful advocates for ag education.

 

Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2773

Sparking Critical Thinking: Socioscientific Issues in the Ag Ed Classroom

Ready to prepare your students for the real world? Michelle Burrows helps the Owl Pellet Crew digest vital research on integrating Socioscientific Issues (SSI) like climate change, GMOs, and food security into school-based agricultural education! Discover why these complex, multi-perspective topics are essential for building critical thinking and discussion skills. We'll explore how SSI-based instruction boosts content knowledge, scientific reasoning, and argumentation. Get ready for actionable classroom strategies on presenting multiple viewpoints and facilitating open debates, empowering you to guide students to be informed problem solvers and engaged citizens.

 

Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2752

How Learning Works: Knowledge Organization

Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the third section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how students' organization of knowledge plays a role in learning. 

 

Boosting Your FFA Chapter: Social Media That Works

How effective is your FFA chapter's social media strategy? Raquel Taylor, Taylor Ruth, and Nathan Conner dive into research exploring how secondary agriculture teachers use social media to promote their FFA chapters. We examine which platforms are favored, the content shared, and the significant benefits teachers experience. Despite widespread use, findings reveal untapped potential and a clear need for professional development. This is a must-listen for insights into optimizing your social media presence, reaching the right audiences, and elevating your FFA chapter's story online for greater impact.

 

Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/40

Agriscience Fairs: Science, Communication, and Career Readiness

Ready to supercharge scientific thinking and real-world skills in your students? This episode digests research on how U.S. agriculture teachers implement Agriscience Fair programs! Discover the complex decisions teachers make and how these fairs uniquely strengthen scientific thinking, hands-on learning, communication, and interview skills. We'll explore the power of cross-curricular collaboration (hello, English teachers!) and building science literacy cultures. Get ready for insights on overcoming barriers and using peer support to blend classroom theory with engaging, practical life skill development for every student.

 

Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2920