Students' Perceptions Of Aquaculture Education In The Northeast Region

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine educational benefits, mathematics and science skills, life skills, and the future of aquaculture as perceived by agriculture students in 12 northeastern states. Respondents (N= 60) profoundly believed in their aquaculture programs because of the hands-on learning environmentprovided by such programs. Studentsfound their aquaculture programs exciting, challenging, and fin. The process of learning scientific and mathematical concepts transcended age groups and geographic origination, especially for topics relating to chemistry and biology. Additional skills gained included problem solving, teamwork, responsibility, communication and leadership. Respondents viewed the care andmaintenance of an aquaculture system asparamount to the success of an aquacultureprogram. Northeastern agriculture students were adamant in their belief thatpeople (adults and youth) external to an aquaculture education program were not aware of and/or did not care about the educational benefits derived from such a program. Respondents stated that the aquaculture program was one of the best educational experiences they had acquired in high school, yet they did not have aspirations of working in the aquaculture industry. Respondents believed that increased collaboration between high school teachers and/or school districts will lead to an increase in aquaculture education program enrollments.