INFORMATION SOURCES, TECHNOLOGIES, TEACHERS' ATTITUDES, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT FROM TEACHING AQUACULTURE IN THE NORTHEASTERN REGION

Abstract

The purpose was to establish baseline data for all Northeastern secondary agricultural education programs that incorporated aquaculture in the total curriculum during 1996-1997. Perceptions of aquaculture information and training, technologies used, community linkages, and teachers' attitudes towards aquaculture programs were sought from agriculture teachers in 12 states. Respondents (N.=70) indicated the source of their aquaculture information as other agriculture education teachers, conferences, workshops, or courses. A majority of teachers had attended formal training programs such as technical aquaculture courses and aquaculture curriculum workshops. Respondents rated indoor tanks, water quality kit, recirculatory system, aerator, and feeding pellets as very important technologies to an aquaculture program. Agriculture teachers perceived that teaching aquaculture motivated students, but they did not believe an aquaculture program would encourage students to seek a postsecondary education. Northeastern agricultural education programs had very limited crossover between school districts when describing linkages, arrangements, and/or agreements to teach aquaculture. The primary benefits of a collaborative linkage included increased student participation and peer tutoring. The community impacts from teaching aquaculture were described as awareness level activities such as aquaculture facility tours, open houses, and field days. Agriculture teachers rated colleges and universities as important external contributors to aquaculture programs.