Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers

How Learning Works: Self-Direction

Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the eighth and final 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 taking a step back and letting your students self-direct their learning helps them, even outside of the classroom. 

STEM in the Ag Classroom: Boosting Confidence, Making Connections

Ready to boost your STEM teaching confidence? William Norris and Lacey Roberts-Hill deliver crucial insights from research exploring how agricultural educators perceive their ability to integrate STEM-based AFNR standards! We unpack findings on specific STEM concepts where teachers excel and areas where more support is needed. Learn about the vital role of preservice training and actionable recommendations for professional development to strengthen your skills. This episode is packed with practical ways to confidently bring real-world STEM applications into your lessons, setting your students up for success.

 

Journal article: Meaningful skills for the agricultural workforce: Assessing the confidence levels of agricultural educators to integrate STEM into their curriculum

How Learning Works: Course Climate

Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the seventh 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 creating a safe space with high expectations can affect your students' learning. 

Rooted in Practice: Tailoring Professional Development for Ag Teachers

Ever feel like your PD doesn't quite deepen your ag literacy instruction? This "pellet" uncovers vital research on a professional development program that's all about equipping ag teachers for success! Learn how relevant, discipline-specific content (think animal and plant science!) from experts was highly valued for its direct impact on teaching core agricultural knowledge. We'll explore why hands-on, immediately applicable strategies are essential for helping you build students' comprehensive understanding of agriculture, emphasizing the need for PD that truly supports robust ag literacy outcomes in your classroom.

 

Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2487

How Learning Works: Practice & Feedback

Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the sixth 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 intentional practice and feedback can enhance the learning experience. 

Beyond Posters and Press Releases: Making Ag Comm Work in Your Classroom

Want to elevate your students' communication skills for the modern ag industry? This "pellet" delivers crucial insights from research on how agricultural communication is being integrated in SBAE classrooms nationwide! Learn about the rapid growth in ag comm offerings, the current state of content consistency, and the vital design, writing, and software skills students are mastering. This episode underscores how ag teachers can leverage their program's unique structure to bridge gaps, promote entrepreneurship, and build ag literacy, giving you practical ways to strengthen your ag comm instruction and boost career readiness.

 

Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2754

Cracking the Middle School Code: Real-World Strategies for Ag Teachers

Ready to dive into the world of middle school ag ed and supercharge your SAE program? Jacob Englin digests two powerful research articles! First, we explore trends, gaps, and teacher needs in U.S. middle school agricultural education, revealing where we need more up-to-date research. Then, we dive into how top teachers create high-quality SAE experiences by focusing on student growth, leveraging competition, and fostering accountability. Get ready for practical takeaways on scaffolding SAEs for independence, maintaining high expectations, and tailoring projects to keep all students engaged!

 

Journal Articles:

https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2782

https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2783

Supporting Every Student: Practical Strategies for Addressing ACEs in the Ag Classroom

How can your ag classroom be a haven for students impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)? William Norris and Shannon Norris Parish share vital research exploring how SBAE teachers compassionately support these learners! Discover actionable strategies like providing hygiene items, purchasing meals on Ag trips, and offering emotional support. We'll highlight the deep personal commitment educators make to create safe spaces, fostering healing and learning. Get ready for practical ways to make your classroom more inclusive and responsive to students' life challenges, boosting both well-being and educational outcomes.

 

Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2900

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