Do Teachers Have the Skills: 21st Century Skills in the Agricultural Education Classroom?

Abstract

Research has shown 21st century skills are essential to a student’s success outside of the high school classroom. The 21st century skills prepare students to enter the workforce or higher education with the ability to think critically and creatively, collaborate with others, take the initiative when approached with a task, and use technology to its fullest potential. This study examined school-based agricultural education teachers’ perceived knowledge, ability, and importance of implementing 21st century skills into the classroom. Upon identifying teachers perceived level of importance, knowledge, and ability, results were analyzed to determine the professional development needs of school-based agricultural education teachers in particular 21st century skills. Results concluded professional development is needed to further educate and equip agriculture teachers with specific and applicable strategies to implement Critical Thinking, Communicating, and Technology Literacy skills into their classrooms.