Examining Cognition Levels Of Students Enrolled In A College Of Agriculture

Abstract

Thinking is a hallmark to success. Literature suggested that students who attended college "knew" more when they graduated than when they entered as freshmen. However, is "knowing" enough? This study sought to determine the cognitive development on three cognition levels of senior students enrolled in a college of agriculture. A random sample of senior students was selected for the study. The Developing Cognitive Abilities Test (DCAT) was used to assess students' cognitive abilities on three cognition levels that are consistent with the five lower levels of Bloom's taxonomy of cognitive levels. The results suggested that latitude exists for growth in the cognitive development of senior students; that senior students tended to do best, comparatively, on application abilities; that cognitive development by gender was similar; and that for students in the study, certain academic majors tended to do better on the levels of cognition. Recommendations are offered based on the results and for future research.