Exploring Personal Identity Characteristics of Agricultural Education Majors at the University of Florida
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v66i4.3205Keywords:
teaching, school-based agricultural education, personal identity, recruitment, college major, career choiceAbstract
Establishing an identity is a key developmental task during adolescence that influences future educational goals and career paths. This study used a mixed-methods research design to examine the personal identity characteristics and decision-making processes of undergraduate students who chose to major in Agricultural Education (Ag Ed). The research draws upon the Personal Identity Model of College Major Selection, which integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior, Psychosocial Development Theory, Marcia’s Identity Statuses, and Social Cognitive Theory. This researcher-designed model was used to explore how personal identity, normative beliefs, personal influences, and environmental factors collectively impact students’ academic choices. Fifteen Ag Ed majors were surveyed to collect descriptive data and responses on the Social and Personal Identities Scale (SIPI). Four participants were selected for in-depth interviews to further explore their motivations and experiences. Findings revealed that 80% of students decided on their major in high school, with considerable influence from personal identity development and involvement in activities such as FFA, 4-H, sports, and school clubs. Participants’ perceptions of their major were strongly shaped by normative beliefs, environmental conditions, and personal experiences. SIPI data suggested personal identity attributes played a slightly greater role in major selection than social identity attributes. Findings highlight the importance of aligning academic programs with students’ evolving identities. To attract a more diverse student body to fields like agricultural education, institutions should consider recruitment strategies that align with students’ personal interests and identities.
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