Preservice Agricultural Education Teachers' Experiences in and Anticipation of Content Knowledge Preparation

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of preservice agriculture teachers in content knowledge preparation for pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) development. The researchers employed a phenomenological approach in which six preservice teachers were interviewed the semester prior to student teaching. The researchers found there was general dissatisfaction with the majority of agriculture content courses among preservice teachers in terms of quality, quantity, and transferability of content. Interest in agriculture content areas, their views of expertise, and what they want their students to gain from their teaching were found to be possible influencers affecting the PCK development of preservice agriculture teachers. These findings provide support for further research to explore gaps in content knowledge and the professions’ understanding of PCK development in novice agriculture teachers. Recommendations include considering ways to incorporate content knowledge in pedagogy courses or working with content faculty on developing assignments to help preservice teachers learn content in meaningful ways.