Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers

How People Learn Series: Learning Across the Lifespan

The Owl Pellets crew chats about learning across the lifespan in the final episode of the How People Learn series.

How People Learn Series: Motivation

The Owl Pellets crew discusses a new take of motivation in this episode of the How People Learn series.

Using a Metacognitive Strategy

In this episode, we hear from Deer Park High School agriculture teacher Savannah Schroeder and Texas A&M's Peng Lu and Matt Baker about a study using eye-tracking technology to learn about the use of metacognitive strategy and reading.

• SQ5R (Scan, Question, Read, Respond, Recite, Record, Review) is a strategy to support reading comprehension
• It works by supporting information transfer from short term memory to long term memory
• Patience is key. Learning doesn’t happen by magic bullets and quick fixes. Give it time!

Transformative Learning

In this episode, Oklahoma State's Courtney Brown and Lauren Cline join the Owl Pellets crew to discuss shifting the conversation about what diversity brings to agriculture.

• Students left a course about African Americans in agriculture feeling empowered, able to connect, knowledgeable, ready to engage in hard conversations, and curious
• Nervous about entering this conversation? Start with your own education! Check out the Legacy of the New Farmers of America or Crucial Conversations. Think about how you can shift your perspective rather than leaning in closer to what you already know to learn more.
• Much of the conversation about what diversity brings to agriculture focuses on efficiency and production. Let’s shift the conversation to value the people and their human dignity.

Adjusting, Appeasing, and Rearranging

In this episode, the Owl Pellets crew chats with Oregon State's Dr. Haley Traini about the managing expectations and how ag. teachers do it all.

• Teachers often look successful on the outside, but aren’t satisfied on the inside as they try to meet real and perceived expectations.
• There is real challenge in trying to sift through the available opportunities without engaging in everything.
• Rethinking expectations happens at every level; have a conversation with someone who can work with you to move the needle today.

How People Learn Series: Memory

The Owl Pellets crew discusses memory, specifically the systems and distinct processes associated with memory that contribute to learning.

Student Achievement in Ag. & Science Concepts

In this episode, Virginia Tech's Natalie Ferand shares "illuminating" information about the integration of science concepts in our teaching. Highlights include:

• There are three types of teachers as we think about integrating science concepts: vocational purists, illumination attempters, and science illuminators. You might be one or the other depending on what you’re teaching.
• Science illuminators aren’t necessarily looking to change their curriculum. They work to highlight a key science (or math or English) concept in what they’re already teaching.
• Great curriculum is a team effort and takes a ton of time. Check out STEM It Up as a great example to boost your Floriculture program.

Openness & Preparedness for Ag. Technology

Stephen McBride (Purdue) joins the crew to discuss openness & preparedness for ag. technology. Highlights include:

• Students are open to new agricultural technologies, but not necessarily prepared to use them
• Technology opens career opportunities for students across the food chain, from production to purchase
• Community members and manufacturers are great resources to support learning new technologies. No need to learn them all on your own!

Authenticity

Dr. Jason McKibben (Auburn University) discusses authenticity in learning, projects, and project-based learning.

How People Learn Series: The Developing Brain

The Owl Pellets crew discusses the developing brain and what that means for facilitating learning.