Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers: Recent Episodes
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Practical tips for your ag classroom and interesting information to incorporate in your teaching. Quick and easy resources for you to read, or “pellets” of information.
Another end to the school year, another end to an Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers season. Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike wrap up season 11.
Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. However, in this episode, they are meeting a very special guest. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into how the book came to be and some of Michele DiPietro's advice for both teachers and students. Come along as we wrap up our season 11 mini-series.
Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the eighth and final section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how taking a step back and letting your students self-direct their learning helps them, even outside of the classroom.
Ready to boost your STEM teaching confidence? William Norris and Lacey Roberts-Hill deliver crucial insights from research exploring how agricultural educators perceive their ability to integrate STEM-based AFNR standards! We unpack findings on specific STEM concepts where teachers excel and areas where more support is needed. Learn about the vital role of preservice training and actionable recommendations for professional development to strengthen your skills. This episode is packed with practical ways to confidently bring real-world STEM applications into your lessons, setting your students up for success.
Journal article: Meaningful skills for the agricultural workforce: Assessing the confidence levels of agricultural educators to integrate STEM into their curriculum
Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the seventh section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how creating a safe space with high expectations can affect your students' learning.
Ever feel like your PD doesn't quite deepen your ag literacy instruction? This "pellet" uncovers vital research on a professional development program that's all about equipping ag teachers for success! Learn how relevant, discipline-specific content (think animal and plant science!) from experts was highly valued for its direct impact on teaching core agricultural knowledge. We'll explore why hands-on, immediately applicable strategies are essential for helping you build students' comprehensive understanding of agriculture, emphasizing the need for PD that truly supports robust ag literacy outcomes in your classroom.
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2487
Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the sixth section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how intentional practice and feedback can enhance the learning experience.
Want to elevate your students' communication skills for the modern ag industry? This "pellet" delivers crucial insights from research on how agricultural communication is being integrated in SBAE classrooms nationwide! Learn about the rapid growth in ag comm offerings, the current state of content consistency, and the vital design, writing, and software skills students are mastering. This episode underscores how ag teachers can leverage their program's unique structure to bridge gaps, promote entrepreneurship, and build ag literacy, giving you practical ways to strengthen your ag comm instruction and boost career readiness.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2754
Ready to dive into the world of middle school ag ed and supercharge your SAE program? Jacob Englin digests two powerful research articles! First, we explore trends, gaps, and teacher needs in U.S. middle school agricultural education, revealing where we need more up-to-date research. Then, we dive into how top teachers create high-quality SAE experiences by focusing on student growth, leveraging competition, and fostering accountability. Get ready for practical takeaways on scaffolding SAEs for independence, maintaining high expectations, and tailoring projects to keep all students engaged!
Journal Articles:
https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2782https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2783
How can your ag classroom be a haven for students impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)? William Norris and Shannon Norris Parish share vital research exploring how SBAE teachers compassionately support these learners! Discover actionable strategies like providing hygiene items, purchasing meals on Ag trips, and offering emotional support. We'll highlight the deep personal commitment educators make to create safe spaces, fostering healing and learning. Get ready for practical ways to make your classroom more inclusive and responsive to students' life challenges, boosting both well-being and educational outcomes.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2900
Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the fifth section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how focusing on the steps it takes to reach a mastery level helps in planning lessons.
This episode unpacks compelling research on how diverse tech tools—from flipped classrooms to digital games—are impacting agricultural education at all levels. We reveal the growing gap between a rapidly evolving ag industry and current teaching methods, highlighting how integrating modern tech can significantly enhance student achievement, engagement, and teacher efficacy. This is a must-listen for ag teachers seeking to maintain program relevance, improve student outcomes, and equip graduates for a truly high-tech food and fiber future.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2458
Ever wondered how confident you are in supporting students with learning difficulties in SAEs? This episode digests research exploring how Georgia ag teachers perceive their ability to do just that! We uncover findings that show teachers value inclusive practices like using IEPs and adapting instruction, but often feel only moderately competent. Discover the vital role of hands-on preparation and targeted professional development in building confidence. Get practical tips on how collaborating with special education departments and seeking specific training can empower you to effectively include all learners in every aspect of ag ed, especially SAEs!
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2841
Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the fourth section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how focusing on student motivation can help students learn.
How can your ag program be a game-changer for students with special needs? This episode unpacks vital research exploring ag teachers' confidence and strategies for inclusion. We reveal how hands-on agricultural experiences are uniquely effective at building occupational skills, self-identity, and confidence, directly impacting future employment. Discover the importance of targeted professional development and concrete, adaptable instructional approaches that foster meaningful participation for every student. This is a must-listen for creating an inclusive, skill-building ag program that truly benefits all learners.
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/133
Imagine parents as your biggest allies in ag ed! Amelia Miller explains groundbreaking national research on how much value parents place on their children learning about agriculture in school. Discover the surprising finding that parents overwhelmingly see agricultural topics as "very important" for K-12 students, regardless of their own background! Get ready for practical insights on how you can build stronger bridges with families, leverage this incredible parental interest for program growth, and partner with organizations like PTOs to position parents as powerful advocates for ag education.
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2773
Ready to prepare your students for the real world? Michelle Burrows helps the Owl Pellet Crew digest vital research on integrating Socioscientific Issues (SSI) like climate change, GMOs, and food security into school-based agricultural education! Discover why these complex, multi-perspective topics are essential for building critical thinking and discussion skills. We'll explore how SSI-based instruction boosts content knowledge, scientific reasoning, and argumentation. Get ready for actionable classroom strategies on presenting multiple viewpoints and facilitating open debates, empowering you to guide students to be informed problem solvers and engaged citizens.
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2752
Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the third section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how students' organization of knowledge plays a role in learning.
How effective is your FFA chapter's social media strategy? Raquel Taylor, Taylor Ruth, and Nathan Conner dive into research exploring how secondary agriculture teachers use social media to promote their FFA chapters. We examine which platforms are favored, the content shared, and the significant benefits teachers experience. Despite widespread use, findings reveal untapped potential and a clear need for professional development. This is a must-listen for insights into optimizing your social media presence, reaching the right audiences, and elevating your FFA chapter's story online for greater impact.
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/40
Ready to supercharge scientific thinking and real-world skills in your students? This episode digests research on how U.S. agriculture teachers implement Agriscience Fair programs! Discover the complex decisions teachers make and how these fairs uniquely strengthen scientific thinking, hands-on learning, communication, and interview skills. We'll explore the power of cross-curricular collaboration (hello, English teachers!) and building science literacy cultures. Get ready for insights on overcoming barriers and using peer support to blend classroom theory with engaging, practical life skill development for every student.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2920
Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the second section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how prior knowledge plays a role in learning.
How can your agriscience classroom cultivate strong agricultural literacy that goes beyond hands-on skills? This episode digests research exploring how SBAE teachers are promoting ag literacy through speaking, listening, and writing activities! Discover how explicit explanations, group discussions, and project-based work help students grasp complex vocabulary and apply concepts to real life. We'll also tackle common challenges like time constraints for writing. Get ready for practical insights on how intentionally weaving communication into your lessons, alongside labs, prepares students to truly understand and advocate for agriculture!
Journal Article: http://jsaer.org/2024/04/22/exploring-agricultural-literacy-instructional-practices-for-advancing-student-writing-in-agricultural-education/
Ever feel like you're constantly balancing on the edge of burnout? This episode introduces the Donut Model for Ag Teacher Success! Adapted from Doughnut Economics, this new framework offers a fresh way to understand the sweet spot between minimum and maximum productivity boundaries. Learn how factors like mentoring, support systems, and workload management can help you thrive, not just survive. Get ready for new language to advocate for your well-being and find fulfillment in ag teaching!
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2764
Have you ever wondered what it takes to produce this podcast? Who is this mysterious fourth person of the Owl Pellets crew? For the past three seasons, Kyleigh Hilburn has been behind the scenes producing Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers Podcast. In this week's episode, Brian and Becky pull Kyleigh out from the background and into the guest's chair. Hear all about what it takes to produce a podcast, life as a graduate student, and be engaged with teaching, research, and extension at a land-grant institution.
Ready to unlock deeper student involvement and real-world learning? This episode digests a powerful 7-year study on the CROPS Project, grounded in the transformative Youth-Adult Partnership (YAP) Theory! Discover how fostering genuine collaboration between youth and adults in ag education can dramatically enhance student motivation, build practical skills (like farm safety!), and strengthen classroom relationships. Learn why YAP isn't just a strategy, but a sustainable and impactful model for agricultural educators seeking profound learning outcomes.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2394
Ever feel like you're running on empty? This episode digests vital research on "margin" in the lives of ag educators – that crucial buffer between your workload and your personal resources! Discover why having more margin is key to maintaining wellness, boosting creativity, and finding greater satisfaction in ag teaching. We'll share actionable strategies from the study on how you can protect and grow your margin, helping you stay energized and effective in the classroom.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2827
Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the first section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how student identity and development play a role in learning.
What do school superintendents really want your ag program to teach? This episode digests research exploring how district leaders prioritize essential employability skills within SBAE curricula! Discover why critical thinking, problem-solving, and resource management are top priorities. Learn how superintendents view these skills as "very" or "extremely important" for student careers, reinforcing the need for ag teachers to deliberately incorporate them. Get actionable insights on how to prioritize, teach, and assess these vital skills to better prepare your students for college and the workforce!
Journal Article: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jrtc/vol8/iss2/3
Ready to empower every student, no matter their background? This "pellet" delivers crucial insights from research on Positive Youth Development in rural, low-SES high schools! Learn how SBAE programs are uniquely positioned to build student confidence, competence, and belonging. We'll explore the importance of trauma-informed teaching and mental health support, plus concrete strategies to foster the Five Cs of PYD in your classroom and FFA activities, ensuring every student has the support to thrive.
Journal Articles:
https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/127
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/ruraleducator/vol44/iss2/9/
Ready to fine-tune your classroom and lab skills? Ryan Best, Iowa State University, digests key research on essential instructional practices in School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE)! We'll explore how effective teaching aligns with the eight AFNR career pathways, covering everything from supervising labs and managing equipment to recruiting students and adapting to hybrid learning. Discover the practical strategies and adaptable approaches you need to meet diverse student needs, boost achievement, and find greater satisfaction in your vital role as an ag teacher.
Journal Article
Another season, another mini-series! This season, Brian, Becky, and Mike are diving into how learning works. Throughout this mini-series, they will dive deep into the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike break down this book and its concepts.
Ever wondered how FFA, classroom, and SAEs really impact student growth? In this week's episode, Tiffany Marzolino, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explores ag teachers' perceptions of student development across the three-circle model! Discover why the classroom often leads, but how grading SAEs and using tech can supercharge their perceived impact. We'll also dive into making SAEs truly student-driven and navigating that biggest barrier: time. Get ready for practical tips to maximize your SAEs!
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/120
Ever thought about using Jeremy Clarkson to teach agriculture? This episode discusses fascinating research on how the TV series "Clarkson's Farm" impacted undergraduate students! Erica Summerfield, South Dakota State University, reveals how showing just two episodes sparked rich dialogue and boosted understanding of food systems, farming challenges, and rural life, even among students new to agriculture. Discover how popular media can be a powerful tool for your ag classroom to bridge knowledge gaps and make complex topics accessible and relatable for diverse learners.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2608
Ever wondered how hands-on learning can transform students and your community? This episode digs into fascinating research on land-based learning! Aaron McKim and Abbey Palmer, from Michigan State University, share how connecting high schoolers with local agriculture boosts their leadership skills, sustainability awareness, and understanding of local food. Get ready for practical models to bring real-world impact into your ag classroom!
Resources: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uprc/land-based-learning-center-projects
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2767
We are back,... we are SO back! Brian, Becky, and Mike are super excited to be back with another season of Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers podcast. Be ready to tackle conversations over how learning works, getting beyond the walls of the classroom, adult partnerships, the donut model, how to communicate about your program, and many more exciting topics. You might even get to meet a member of the team who has been hiding behind the scenes for a few years. Happy listening, and here is to season 11!
Ag Ed is uniquely positioned to support boys in school. Stacy Vincent (University of Kentucky) joins the OP crew to share key findings from an experimental study looking at student performance in same-sex versus co-ed classrooms. Tune in to hear more about how students process and engage in school differently.
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/122
The "To Those Concerned with Teacher Retention" mini-series highlights a series of vulnerable conversations in letter form to help us ask tough questions of the education career. The series will challenge listeners to consider new solutions, imagine "what ifs," and inform future directions for education. The full journal article includes appendices for further discussion, and we welcome you to use the following resources to respond with your own letter (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YGn16kf2juTGZg) or other thoughts (https://padlet.com/ag_education/collective-thought-experiment-vu3pwzetg94qo2nt).
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2604
Jamie Greig and his team at University of Tennessee knows implementing VR can feel intimidating, but with their guide to planning, process, and reflection, you'll be a VR implementation expert in no time.
Journal Article: https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/353
We'll just come right out and say it: Mobility might be a retention strategy. Becky Haddad (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) and Lavyne Rada (Co-Director of the Minnesota Teacher Induction Program) chat with Mike and Brian about reasonable retention, navigating the teaching career, and supporting newness across the career spectrum.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2471
The "To Those Concerned with Teacher Retention" mini-series highlights a series of vulnerable conversations in letter form to help us ask tough questions of the education career. The series will challenge listeners to consider new solutions, imagine "what ifs," and inform future directions for education. The full journal article includes appendices for further discussion, and we welcome you to use the following resources to respond with your own letter (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YGn16kf2juTGZg) or other thoughts (https://padlet.com/ag_education/collective-thought-experiment-vu3pwzetg94qo2nt).
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2604
Curious about how to set failure as an expectation? WHAT?! Taylor Merrick (Arizona ag teacher) and Amber Rice (Iowa State University) have the inside scoop on problem-based learning to help teachers work their students through the process of problem solving, the nature of conflict, and the environment you create in the process.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/103
A team isn't just a group of people thrown together, and Tom Jacobsen with the University of Idaho Extension has some great tips for us to build teams through LDE preparation. Tune in as Tom chats with the crew about defining success, engaging in a team building process, and teaching employability skills in how we ask students to prepare for competition.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/97
The "To Those Concerned with Teacher Retention" mini-series highlights a series of vulnerable conversations in letter form to help us ask tough questions of the education career. The series will challenge listeners to consider new solutions, imagine "what ifs," and inform future directions for education. The full journal article includes appendices for further discussion, and we welcome you to use the following resources to respond with your own letter (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YGn16kf2juTGZg) or other thoughts (https://padlet.com/ag_education/collective-thought-experiment-vu3pwzetg94qo2nt).
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2604
Philanthropy is an intentional, private allocation of time or money--more simply, it's just giving back where you can, and Amber Rice (Iowa State) and Weslee Potts (Arizona Mom & administrator) are here to tell us more! Tune in as they share how Gen Z seeks connection, meaning, purpose, and belonging in their philanthropic efforts, looking to give time more than money in ways that align with their values.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2577
VR may feel intimidating to implement, but never fear! Justin Pulley (Tarleton) is here to make sure we've got the basics covered to dive in. Tune in as Justin shares that we don't need to be experts to give VR a try as long as we implement it with a pedagogical purpose in mind.
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/165
The "To Those Concerned with Teacher Retention" mini-series highlights a series of vulnerable conversations in letter form to help us ask tough questions of the education career. The series will challenge listeners to consider new solutions, imagine "what ifs," and inform future directions for education. The full journal article includes appendices for further discussion, and we welcome you to use the following resources to respond with your own letter (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YGn16kf2juTGZg) or other thoughts (https://padlet.com/ag_education/collective-thought-experiment-vu3pwzetg94qo2nt).
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2604
Engaging with teacher professional development provides so many opportunities to meet people where they are. Trent Wells (Murray State) joins the OP crew to talk about designing and delivering teacher professional development.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2473
Mentoring can be a tricky relationship to define and maintain. Jarred Shellhouse (University of Florida) joins us with reminders that mentoring is more than feedback and guidance; it requires respect, trust, and aligned values.
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/39
The "To Those Concerned with Teacher Retention" mini-series highlights a series of vulnerable conversations in letter form to help us ask tough questions of the education career. The series will challenge listeners to consider new solutions, imagine "what ifs," and inform future directions for education. The full journal article includes appendices for further discussion, and we welcome you to use the following resources to respond with your own letter (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YGn16kf2juTGZg) or other thoughts (https://padlet.com/ag_education/collective-thought-experiment-vu3pwzetg94qo2nt).
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2604
It can be easy to take experiential learning for granted, so Brad Coleman (Oklahoma State University), and Grady Roberts and JC Bunch (University of Florida) chat through how to move beyond "hands on" learning into true experiential learning. Tune in as they unpack how to help students make productive contributions, real life applications, and interdisciplinary learning.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2479
Systems thinking has exciting implications for workforce preparation and our classroom interactions. Tune in as Kevan Lamm (University of Georgia) explores how the world really works as we engage on meandering journeys.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/64
The "To Those Concerned with Teacher Retention" mini-series highlights a series of vulnerable conversations in letter form to help us ask tough questions of the education career. The series will challenge listeners to consider new solutions, imagine "what ifs," and inform future directions for education. The full journal article (link coming soon) includes appendices for further discussion, and we welcome you to use the following resources to respond with your own letter (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YGn16kf2juTGZg) or other thoughts (https://padlet.com/ag_education/collective-thought-experiment-vu3pwzetg94qo2nt).
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2604
It's no secret there's a gap between the teaching positions open and the teachers available to fill them. Jenna Offerman (Illinois ag teacher) and Lucas Maxwell (Illinois State University) help us rethink where and how we recruit teachers.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/82
With 20% of children ages 1-18 in the United States having four or more adverse childhood experiences, we need some ideas to be prepared for the conversations our students will have with us. Tune in as William Norris (New Mexico State University) shares our role as teachers in supporting students and receiving support in working with students.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2460
Teaching welding brings so many opportunities for industry collaboration. Ryan Anderson (Texas State), Brittney Heibel (Xylem), and Merritt Drewery (Texas State) are back to share how we can develop our virtual reality skills, get intentional with assessment, and let partners in to find and meet our programmatic needs.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/38
Resources: https://lincolnelectricautomation.com.au/education/realweld-trainer/
The "To Those Concerned with Teacher Retention" mini-series highlights a series of vulnerable conversations in letter form to help us ask tough questions of the education career. The series will challenge listeners to consider new solutions, imagine "what ifs," and inform future directions for education. The full journal article includes appendices for further discussion, and we welcome you to use the following resources to respond with your own letter (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YGn16kf2juTGZg) or other thoughts (https://padlet.com/ag_education/collective-thought-experiment-vu3pwzetg94qo2nt).
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2604
Learning the norms for participating in the ag teacher community means opportunities to navigate something new for new comers and long-timers. Kellie Claflin (Ohio State University) joins the crew to talk about belonging as a contribution.
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2452
When it comes to consciously adopting professional development opportunities, Becki Lawver and Michael Pate (Utah State), Dustin Perry (Montana State), and Scott Smalley (Iowa State) know what's up. Today, they talk with the OP crew about what keeps teachers coming back, opportunities for implementation after the professional development, and continued and sustained professional learning for skill development.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/138
The "To Those Concerned with Teacher Retention" mini-series highlights a series of vulnerable conversations in letter form to help us ask tough questions of the education career. The series will challenge listeners to consider new solutions, imagine "what ifs," and inform future directions for education. The full journal article (link coming soon) includes appendices for further discussion, and we welcome you to use the following resources to respond with your own letter (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YGn16kf2juTGZg) or other thoughts (https://padlet.com/ag_education/collective-thought-experiment-vu3pwzetg94qo2nt).
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2604
What can we do in the classroom to prompt reflection and practice transfer? Brad Coleman (Oklahoma State University) joins the crew to answer that question! The more we practice transfer the further students are able to transfer it. Tune in for a great conversation about how we plan to support that transfer.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/94
Resources: Reflection and Transfer Examples
Food security means all people at all times have access to safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. Jessica Spence (Virginia Tech), Daniel Foster (Penn State), Tobin Redwine (Texas A & M), Melanie Miller-Foster (Penn State), and OP McCubbins (Mississippi State) share how to tackle this big definition in our schools and communities through understanding diverse perspectives, incorporating global competence, and empower students through practical engagement.
Resource: Global Teach Ag Network Community
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/151
Virtual Reality can feel like an intimidating investment as a learning tool, but Ryan Anderson (Texas State) and Brittney Heibel (Xylem) are here to help dispel all mystery! Tune in as they share how to implement VR with intention, track welding parameters, and engage VR as a supplement to welding instruction.
Resources: VRTEX 360
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2468
The "To Those Concerned with Teacher Retention" mini-series highlights a series of vulnerable conversations in letter form to help us ask tough questions of the education career. The series will challenge listeners to consider new solutions, imagine "what ifs," and inform future directions for education. The full journal article (link coming soon) includes appendices for further discussion, and we welcome you to use the following resources to respond with your own letter (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YGn16kf2juTGZg) or other thoughts (https://padlet.com/ag_education/collective-thought-experiment-vu3pwzetg94qo2nt).
Middle schoolers are developmentally different, which requires us to think about agricultural education program implementation a little differently as well. Join the team as we chat with Chris Eck from Oklahoma State University to learn more about the opportunity and responsibility to integrate an intercurricular program (and especially SAEs) for Middle Schoolers.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/158
The "To Those Concerned with Teacher Retention" mini-series highlights a series of vulnerable conversations in letter form to help us ask tough questions of the education career. The series will challenge listeners to consider new solutions, imagine "what ifs," and inform future directions for education.
The full journal article (link coming soon) includes appendices for further discussion, and we welcome you to use the following resources to respond with your own letter (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YGn16kf2juTGZg) or other thoughts (https://padlet.com/ag_education/collective-thought-experiment-vu3pwzetg94qo2nt).
Ag Mechanics is one of many content areas agricultural educators teach but it is an area that has both seen rapid growth in content and minimized opportunities for engagement in teacher preparation programs. Tune in as Tyler Granberry from the University of Tennessee chats with the crew about making sure there is a great fit with pre-service ag mechanics course offerings and identifying specific areas for continued learning.
Journal Article: The state of ag mechanics in the preparation of SBAE teachers
Welcome to the exciting new season of Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers! Join us as we set the stage for an engaging and informative season. We will discuss this season's series and how excited we are for the conversations we will have this year. Join us as we dive into what makes this season a must-listen for teachers passionate about agriculture and teacher retention.
Nine seasons? Can you believe it? Tune in as the Owl Pellets Crew chat about how much this podcast has grown and share their favorite moment from this season. To our guests and listeners, thank you for an amazing season! Here's to season 10!
How do we engage students in all the involvement opportunities available in Ag Ed? The answer might not be to engage more but to engage differently. Tune in this week as Stephen McBride (Purdue University) challenges us to think about involvement and engagement in deep and meaningful ways. We'll chat about how we catch the kids we might not think about, how to use our rockstars, and how to ignite students' passions.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/57
Tune in as Tre Easterly (University of Florida) and Brian Myers (University of Florida) help us walk a mile in our principal's shoes to think about the ways they need to manage resources in line with school goals. They will also talk through how we can ally with our principals, communicate what our programs do, and use our ag programs to support the school's mission.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/113
Incorporating ideas outside of the delivered content can be intimidating, but Garrett Steede (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities) shares that it doesn't have to be! Tune in as Garrett shares resources (available at umnagricast.com) in both Plant and Animal Science to help integrate science communication and communication principles in agricultural content.
Journal Article: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/jhse/vol10/iss3/3/
Resources: https://www.umnagricast.com/
Am I an imposter? Whether coming into teaching or trying to establish a researcher's identity, this question is prevalent. We find ourselves prepared really well only to feel unprepared when we enter a career away from the support we had in preparation. Nicole Stedman, Jarred Shellhouse, and JC Bunch at the University of Florida explore these ideas and more as they help normalize developmental processes for everyone.
Journal Article: https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/335
What do Oklahoma ag teachers need? Turns out, it's more than professional development; it's curricular resources, admin support, and respect. These needs span the ag program and the career, so Kayla Marsh and Kris Rankin (Oklahoma State University) challenge us to think about how we can balance professional development with reality, build networks through professional development, and garner respect from administration, all while challenging us to think about the teaching career as a hierarchy of needs.
Journal article: http://jsaer.org/2023/09/12/determining-the-needs-of-school-based-agricultural-education-teachers-in-oklahoma/
In this episode, the Owl Pellets Crew wrap up their mentoring mini-series. What better way to conclude a series than to add recommendations? Brain, Becky, and Mike discuss seven recommendations for mentoring programs.
Have you ever heard of 8th graders enjoying accounting? In this week's episode, Neil Knobloch and Andrea Brown talk with the crew regarding their success in integrating an agricultural business management simulation into an eighth-grade classroom. They make double-entry accounting sound fun!
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/1965
Alternatively certified teachers bring a variety of experiences to their practice of agricultural education that add value to their schools and benefit their students. Kellie Claflin (The Ohio State University) asks us to think about how we can better support teachers, but especially those new to the profession. She encourages us to be connectors; looking to understand the experience others bring to the table before jumping in with assumptions about what may be needed.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/110
Virtual professional development is a reality of the post-pandemic world, and it's changed how we deliver and expect to interact with PD. Amber Rice (University of Arizona) shares great insight from CASE participants to help us think about what professional development participants have access to in terms of community development, content, and delivery modality, and the intentionality behind providing that access.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/89
With a decline in the teaching workforce and a decline in teacher diversity, Matt Wood and Michelle Burrows at Utah State University wanted to know: what's the effect on ag programs? In exploring attitudes and professional development around Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (IDE), they found teachers were looking for PD to help them tap into students' lived experiences, curricular resources around IDE, and support advocating for minorities.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/58
What are we recruiting to? Tiffany Marzalino and Aaron McKim at Michigan State University share how Michigan ag teachers are recruiting students to their programs--and it might be more straightforward than you think! Tune in as we talk about authenticity, inclusivity and belonging, empowering students to share their experiences, and the different learning experiences Ag Ed is situated to provide!
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/49
How can we evaluate mentoring? Do you know what purpose you are serving as a mentor or mentee? In this week's episode Brian, Becky, and Mike discuss how to assess and evaluate mentoring. Tune in as the crew continues their mentoring mini-series.
Establishing integrated school gardens takes a champion to start, but a team to maintain. Jade Davidson (Oregon State University) and Jason Peake (University of Georgia) share a framework and the components necessary to integrate sustainable and integrated school gardens that are part of the school culture.
Journal Article: https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/281
Resources: https://bit.ly/3t8OxFI
Geocaching is a treasure hunting community teachers can leverage as an instructional tool. Rachel Hendrix (West Virginia University) and John Rickets (Tennessee State University) join the crew to help us learn how to use geocaching to promote critical thinking, teamwork, and communication and to use geocaching as an instructional tool.
Journal article: http://jsaer.org/2022/10/12/gps-and-geocaching-integration-in-agriscience-the-impact-on-critical-thinking/
Understanding and experiencing culture is critical for young agricultural leaders, but there's often some anxiety around having culturally competent conversations. Never fear--Janiece Pigg (Tennessee Youth Development) is here to help us think about opportunities to expand our cultural lens.
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/1952
Prepare to enter mentoring! Mentoring is a huge undertaking, and in this episode, Brian, Mike, and Becky explore what we need to enter mentoring and point to tools to support that process in formal mentoring relationships.
There are hundreds of ways to measure success in SBAE programs, and Haley Traini (Oregon State University) joins us to talk about them all! We'll chat about teacher and program performance, overwhelm, and career expectations in the jam packed episode!
Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/29
We all have students with special needs in our classes. Unfortunately, many of us also need additional training to support our SPED students. Tune in as the OP team chats with Raegan Ramage (Louisiana) as she shares tips for opening communication with SPED teachers, working with students, and involving SPED students in Agricultural Education.
Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/29
We rely on a toolbox of instructional methods as agricultural educators. Blake Colclasure (University of Tennessee) and Jack Dempsey (University of Illinois & Cascade Reading) share how our belief in a method's effectiveness affects our use of that method. Spoiler alert: you've got to believe!
Journal Article:
https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/235
Growing as an effective educator is a skill to practice, especially as we work to engage students. Tune in as we talk with Tre Easterly (University of Florida) about how to improve our teaching by improving instructional clarity, increasing variety, demonstrating enthusiasm, using task-oriented behaviors, and providing opportunities for students to practice what they learn.
Journal Article:
https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/1959
Identity is the composite of who a person is, including their thoughts about themselves, how they're viewed by the world, and the characteristics individuals use to define themselves. Join the OP crew for the next installation of the mentoring mini-series as they talk about supporting people in finding their fit and acknowledging contributions.
Mentoring, coaching, advising, role modeling, sponsorship--what's the big deal? Aren't they all kind of the same thing? Join the Owl Pellets team as we work through the difference, and value, of each different type of relationship in our personal and professional lives.
Being involved in agriculture connects kids to their communities. Rebecca Mott and John Tummons (University of Missouri) share how we can use youth livestock experiences to encourage deep reflection and growth toward independence.
Resources: https://bit.ly/41h9lYl
Journal Article:
https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/297
FFA is steeped in tradition. Join the conversation with Mike Martin (Iowa State University) to think about how we engage our chapters and communities over competition as we enact meaningful FFA programs. Mike shares how we can focus on the things that make sense to local members and adapt traditions to make them more meaningful.
Journal Article:
https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/273
A co-pilot mentoring relationship builds trust over time, allows both parties to guide the relationship, recognizes conditions will change, embraces communication as essential, and develops as a skill through guidance and commitment. The Owl Pellets team chats about what this means for us both as mentors and mentees.
Growing as an effective educator is a skill to practice, especially as we work to engage students. Tune in as we talk with Tre Easterly (University of Florida) about how to grow in our instructional clarity, variety, enthusiasm, task-oriented behaviors, and student opportunity.
Journal Article:
https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/273
Ag literacy is an important piece of helping individuals apply what they know about agriculture. Amelia Miller (Michigan Ag In the Classroom) and Brian Warnick (Utah State University) join the Owl Pellets crew to talk about the ways school-based ag ed can engage with younger grade levels, helping students who come into programs with little or no agricultural background, and supporting critical thinking through Ag Literacy.
Resources:
https://agclassroom.org/affiliates/programs/https://agclassroom.org/matrix/https://www.agliteracy.org/research/assessment/ Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/1958
The encouragement to set boundaries is becoming the norm in agricultural education, but that doesn't mean the boundaries come easily. Mike and Brian get the chance to grill Becky and her teammates Haley Traini (Oregon State University) and Aaron McKim (Michigan State University) as they discuss what boundary challenges for teachers might mean for the Ag Ed profession.
Journal article:
https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/31
Students who know their career path believe their employability skills are better developed, but what about those who aren't so sure? Jean Parrella (Virginia Tech) joins Becky and Mike to talk about cultivating employability skills in our programs through community participation and cross-disciplinary experiences.
Journal Article:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1389224X.2023.2179086?src=
Career support means providing career guidance, skill development, and sponsorship while psychosocial support focuses on psychological and emotional support and role modeling. Tune in as the OP team talks about how many we can do this for well and how we cultivate other mentors.
Agricultural education classes incorporate a wide range of technical skills. Tune in as Jay Solomonson (Illinois State University) and Trent Wells (Murray State) share what technical skills we need to teach in plant science and how to grow in those skills.
Journal Article
https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/298
Cooperating teachers want to be a helpful resource to student teachers. Heather Nesbitt (University of Florida) and Debra Barry (University of Florida) help the Owl Pellets team dig in on organizational best practices for mentoring and closing the gap between demonstration and reflection.
Resources -
EDIS Series:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC419 - Introductionhttps://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC420 - Social Supporthttps://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC422 - Professional Supporthttps://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC423 - Role Modeling Cooperating Teacher Website:https://www.ufcooperatingteacherssupport.com/ Journal Article: https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/261
Cooperating teacher and student-teacher relationships are one of the most important elements of the student-teaching experience. Dr. Peyton Sweet Moore (Georgia), Bradley Coleman (Oklahoma State University), Heather Young (University of Florida), J.C. Bunch (University of Florida), and Carla Jagger (University of Florida) join the Owl Pellets crew to talk more about the importance of communicating and navigating expectations set up success for the coop/student-teacher relationship.
Journal Article:
https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/36/11
Mentoring is a professional working alliance in which individuals work together over time to support the personal and professional growth, development, and success of the relational partners through the providsion of career and psychosocial support. Join the Owl Pellets team and we talk through what that definition means for our mentoring practice to setup our mini-series exploration of the NAP Report: Mentoring in STEMM
Grand challenges in this episode: Preparing Students for Biotechnology Careers
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guest
Julie Throne - Before teaching I had a 17 year career with the Georgia Department of Agriculture as an inspector. I have a 20 year career in teaching agriculture. Currently I teach Basic Agriscience and Technology, Horticulture/Plant Science, Nursery Landscape, Animal Science/Biotechnology, and Veterinary Science. In 2004 I participated in a plant tissue culture workshop which drew my attention to biotechnology. Since then I have participated in more training, added the principles of biotechnology into my lessons, coordinated workshops, collaborated with researchers, and have had extensive experience in the FFA Agriscience Fair and other science competitions. In my other life, my husband of 33 years and I have a 200 acre beef cattle and meat goat farm. We have three children that have all had experience in exhibiting livestock, FFA Career Development Events, leadership, and Agriscience Fair. I understand the relevance of staying current with information and technology from a producer’s perspective and an industry perspective, as well as how to utilize it to make our industry more productive.
Grand challenge in this episode: The Dairy Dilemma
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guest
Catlin Goodwin is an Agriculture teacher at Granville Jr./Sr. High School in upstate New York. She earned her BS in Agricultural Education from Wilmington College in Ohio and her MS in Community Sustainability from Michigan State University. Catlin enjoys sharing her interest in the interconnected relationships throughout the agricultural systems with the students in her food science, plant science, and agricultural business classes.
Grand challenge in this episode: The Impacts of Youth Ag on Mental Health and Rehabilitation
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guest
Terra Eby is a fourth year teacher at Sussex Central High School in Georgetown, DE. Teaching comes to Terra as a second career. She previously worked in the agriculture community for five years before completing the alternate routes to teacher certification program.Terra grew up very involved in 4-H. She always knew that agriculture was her career of choice but was lost in knowing what her fit was. After teaching for three years, she can finally say that she has found her home in agriculture education. She is currently teaching Animal Science and enjoys getting students involved on their school farm. Terra believes there are many “Agfits” or outfits in agriculture. Her goal is to show students how they can fit in agriculture. When Terra is not teaching she enjoys running, going out on her and her husband’s boat and each season of life. Terra and her husband Daniel will be welcoming a baby boy in October 2022. She says that things will be a little more of a balancing act between family and work but they are excited for the challenges ahead.
Grand challenge in this episode: Glass of Sunshine
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guest
Shelby Ball is an agriculture teacher in central Florida and is a graduate of the University of Florida (Go Gators!). She is currently teaching at the same high school where she attended as a student. She considers it one of her greatest honors to be able to serve the same program that helped shape her as a young adult. When not teaching, Shelby enjoys spending time with her dachshund Remington and binging Netflix.
Grand challenges in this episode: Nutrient Loss in Foods and Federal Land Use
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guests
Carly Chaapel teaches agriculture science in a multi-teacher program in Salem County, New Jersey. She has a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Food Systems from Prescott College. Her specialties are in food science, sustainable food systems, environmental science, garden management, and yoga for adolescents. With food systems at the intersection of human and environmental health, she encourages her students to critique the current system and create solutions that align ecological wellness with human wellness. When she’s not in school, Carly enjoys cooking with fresh produce, gardening, traveling for outdoor adventure, dancing, and spending time with the people and animals she loves.
Alisha Neil works at Mountain Ridge High School in Herriman Utah. She is a mother to three children and happily married. She graduated from Utah State University in 2010 with a degree in Agriculture Education and has been working with urban and suburban students in Jordan School District since that time. In her spare time (when there rarely is any) she enjoys reading, working with horses, and baking.
Grand challenge in this episode: The Urban Heat Island Effect
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guest
Ashlee Gardner was born and raised in the great state of Texas, where she currently resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She earned a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Tyler.
She is a former high school agriculture science teacher with Dallas ISD, where her school focused on urban agriculture and environmental sustainability. She is now a healthy living research specialist with the Institute of Advancing Health through Agriculture at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in Dallas.
Her research interests include project-based learning and informal STEM learning. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods!
Grand challenge in this episode: Invasive Species - The Ultimate Challenger
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guest
Melanie Berndtson is a 15 year Agriscience teacher from Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. She teaches in a single teacher department with courses including animal science, plant science, natural resource management, environmental science, introduction to agriscience, and leadership courses. She teaches 100 students a year and directs the Grand Canyon FFA chapter. Melanie is passionate about curriculum development and has worked on several projects creating new educational materials in the small animal science field. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Greg and her beagles Sonny and Ivan when she is not teaching.
Grand challenge in this episode: Investigating Sustainable Practices in Agriculture, Food and the Environment
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guest
Joe Ramstad grew up in Forest Lake, Minnesota just north of the Twin Cities metro without any farm or direct agricultural experiences but took his first agricultural education course as a freshman and was instantly hooked! His experiences in high school inspired him to become an agricultural education teacher. He earned his undergraduate degrees in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Communication & Marketing from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities and graduated in 2019. Since then, he has been teaching agricultural education to students in grades 5 through 12, engaging them in a variety of courses ranging from advanced welding to veterinary science. He is also currently working on his Masters of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication from the University of Florida. Sustainability is a cornerstone discussion topic that finds its way into nearly every class Joe teaches. Outside of teaching, Joe enjoys being outdoors, grilling foods and traveling!
Grand challenge in this episode: Food Banks
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guest
Lindsey Garner completed a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University in Environmental Studies and Agriscience in 2015 and then completed a Master of Arts Degree from Michigan State University in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education in 2020.
Lindsey started her journey as an agriculture, food and natural resource teacher in Michigan in 2016. She currently teaches at an urban career and technical center where she sees the impact of food inequity everyday with her own students and wanted to develop teaching resources for those who wondered where all of their donated foods came from to help raise awareness of those who go hungry.
Grand challenge in this episode: Solving the Agriculture Labor Shortage
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guests
Ethan Dado is a fourth year agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) educator and FFA advisor in Mankato, MN. Dado’s first year of teaching was also the recreation of the Mankato AFNR and FFA programming. Since the program’s inception, Dado has led the program from 40 to over 350 students and the program has been recognized at the local and state level. Dado has been selected as the Minnesota Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators, “Teacher of the Year” as well as the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators, “Teacher Turn the Key” recipient. Outside of teaching, Dado enjoys traveling, hiking, volleyball, and spending time with his family and friends.
Grand challenges in this episode: Beef Cattle Awareness and Food Inequity
About the Challenge
The purpose of this project is to leverage a preexisting online professional development resource and its large following of SBA educators to create a more effective model of professional development where teachers engage in immersive experiences in agriculture, capture those experiences via the formats already used by Owl Pellets, and share them with their peers to develop an ever-growing community of practice around grand agricultural challenges founds within teachers’ local communities and FANH careers. One of the primary goals of this project is to re-engage SBA educators in the challenges, technology, and work of their local agricultural community – making grand challenges local.
Visit the Teach Grand Challenges website.
About the Guests
Lacie Darnell is an agricultural education teacher at Norwich High School in Norwich, Kansas. Lacie has been an agricultural educator for the last eight years, with experience in southwest and south central Kansas. Lacie grew up in a small town, in which her family owned a large beef operation outside of Anthony, Kansas. From a young age, Lacie learned to love and appreciate the ranching lifestyle and has many fond memories of the farm in her childhood. From there, Lacie began being active in FFA which led her to her career in agricultural education. Her passions include agriculture awareness, specifically with animal agriculture, as well as plant and soil systems. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, step daughter, dogs, gardening/landscaping, and attending sporting events.
Dr. Tiffany G. Morey is an agricultural educator and change agent from New Jersey. She holds a B.S. in Animal Science from Rutgers University-Cook College, an M.Ed. in Agricultural Education from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education, and a PhD in Agricultural and Extension Education from The Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Morey has a passion for educating others on where their food comes from, exploring ways to provide people with locally grown produce to create healthier and more nutritious meals, and helping to solve food accessibility, equality, and equity issues in her community. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her horse, volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding program, running, cooking, and spending time with her family.
The Owl Pellets crew chats about learning across the lifespan in the final episode of the How People Learn series.
The Owl Pellets crew discusses a new take of motivation in this episode of the How People Learn series.
In this episode, we hear from Deer Park High School agriculture teacher Savannah Schroeder and Texas A&M's Peng Lu and Matt Baker about a study using eye-tracking technology to learn about the use of metacognitive strategy and reading.
- SQ5R (Scan, Question, Read, Respond, Recite, Record, Review) is a strategy to support reading comprehension
- It works by supporting information transfer from short term memory to long term memory
- Patience is key. Learning doesn’t happen by magic bullets and quick fixes. Give it time!
In this episode, Oklahoma State's Courtney Brown and Lauren Cline join the Owl Pellets crew to discuss shifting the conversation about what diversity brings to agriculture.
- Students left a course about African Americans in agriculture feeling empowered, able to connect, knowledgeable, ready to engage in hard conversations, and curious
- Nervous about entering this conversation? Start with your own education! Check out the Legacy of the New Farmers of America or Crucial Conversations. Think about how you can shift your perspective rather than leaning in closer to what you already know to learn more.
- Much of the conversation about what diversity brings to agriculture focuses on efficiency and production. Let’s shift the conversation to value the people and their human dignity.
In this episode, the Owl Pellets crew chats with Oregon State's Dr. Haley Traini about the managing expectations and how ag. teachers do it all.
- Teachers often look successful on the outside, but aren’t satisfied on the inside as they try to meet real and perceived expectations.
- There is real challenge in trying to sift through the available opportunities without engaging in everything.
- Rethinking expectations happens at every level; have a conversation with someone who can work with you to move the needle today.
The Owl Pellets crew discusses memory, specifically the systems and distinct processes associated with memory that contribute to learning.
In this episode, Virginia Tech's Natalie Ferand shares "illuminating" information about the integration of science concepts in our teaching. Highlights include:
- There are three types of teachers as we think about integrating science concepts: vocational purists, illumination attempters, and science illuminators. You might be one or the other depending on what you’re teaching.
- Science illuminators aren’t necessarily looking to change their curriculum. They work to highlight a key science (or math or English) concept in what they’re already teaching.
- Great curriculum is a team effort and takes a ton of time. Check out STEM It Up as a great example to boost your Floriculture program.
Stephen McBride (Purdue) joins the crew to discuss openness & preparedness for ag. technology. Highlights include:
- Students are open to new agricultural technologies, but not necessarily prepared to use them
- Technology opens career opportunities for students across the food chain, from production to purchase
- Community members and manufacturers are great resources to support learning new technologies. No need to learn them all on your own!
Dr. Jason McKibben (Auburn University) discusses authenticity in learning, projects, and project-based learning.
The Owl Pellets crew discusses the developing brain and what that means for facilitating learning.
In this episode, we hear from North Dakota State University assistant professor Dr. Brooke Thiel on how agriculture teachers implement and engage in agriscience research in the classroom.
Amber Rice (University of Arizona) and Taylor Bird (Arizona Ag. Teacher) share research findings on the implementation of CASE curriculum.
The Owl Pellets Crew is back! In this episode, the crew discusses how models can be used for learning.
The Owl Pellets crew continue the discussion on "how people learn" with learning types.
Special guests in this episode include:
- Eric Moser, University of Kentucky
- Aaron McKim, Michigan State University
Special guests:
- Buddy McKendree, Michigan State University
- Aaron McKim, Michigan State University
Special Guests:
- Rebecca Swenson, University of Minnesota
- Troy McKay, University of Minnesota
- Garrett Steede, University of Minnesota
Special Guests
- Antoine Alston, North Carolina A&T University
- Dexter Wakefield, Alcorn State University
Guests: Amanda Bowling and Katrina Swinehart-Held from Ohio State University and Shannon Norris from New Mexico State University
Main Points:
- To connect with students, ag teachers should provide accessible mentorship, create attainable relationship, foster student collaboration, and foster commitment to the program.
- Divergent thinking refers to creativity. It is possible for students to learn creative thinking.
- Teachers must focus on the journey rather than the destination because every student is different. Their end results are not going to be the same.
“It’s our job as ag teachers to teach students how to think, not what to think.”
Guests: Colby Gregg and Kelly Claflin from Ohio State University, Tim Buttles from University of Wisconsin River Falls, and Laura Greenhaw from the University of Florida
“Teaching tools are designed to help you. Use ones that are cool and effective but mostly ones that make it easier on you. If they get your students involved and meet your objectives, they’re the right tools for you.”
Guests: Amanda Bowling and Colby Gregg from Ohio State University, Maria Boerngen and Justin Rickard from Illinois State University
Main Points:
- Be an ally. This is the first step in creating an inclusive classroom. Immediately address small, inappropriate comments made in your classroom.
- Be a lifetime learner. Acknowledge that it is going to be uncomfortable to constantly engage in new resources.
- Go the extra mile. Find examples and invite guest speakers that challenge the status quo.
“We should be looking at inclusion more so than diversity. We need to think about including kids and not simply having diversity in our agriculture classrooms.”
Guest: Megan Cantrell and Annie Muscato from the University of Florida
Main Points: Student stress falls into seven areas:
- Academic
- Personal
- Financial
- Family
- Environmental
- Interpersonal
- School
“Students can become overwhelmed. If the student doesn’t say ‘yes’ to participating in something enthusiastically, then they probably should not participate.”
Guest: Gaea Hock from Kansas State University
Main Points:
- Research Stations were established by the Hatch Act of 1887
- These stations and their employees are incredible resources for students wanting to participate in Agriscience Fair.
- Ag Research Stations give students excellent exposure to cutting edge science and modern agricultural issues.
“We must make it known that accessible people exist who enjoy scientific process. These folks are willing to help students in any way they need it.”
Guest: Mathew Albritton from University of Florida
“If you’re teaching a topic that you are less familiar with, do not worry! There are so many avenues of support. Anything from family members and colleagues to publications and YouTube can help you prepare for a lesson on an unfamiliar skill.”
Guest: Kathryn Teixeira from University California, Davis
Main Points:
- Teachers use platforms (like Facebook Groups), to connect to other teachers, find resources, and ask pertinent questions. The presence of such groups boosts the morale of students and provide many other benefits.
- All news breaks on social media. A social media networking platform is a great place to stay current on what works or is beneficial to teachers.
- Find what is best for you in your specific state. This kind of networking is supposed to work for you.
Guest: Raegan Rampage and Richie Roberts from Louisiana State University
“We need to encourage teachers, no matter what career stage they are in, to engage in trainings and meetings to really learn about individual students. This way they can tailor their class to that student.”
Guest: Kirby Schmidt from Oregon State University
Main Points:
- There is so much we can do to help. Something as simple as having a routine in your classroom provides stability to students.
- Notice the good and positive things all students do. Make a point to spread positivity in your classroom.
- Ask your students what you can do to create an environment conducive to learning.
Guest: Nicole Guise from Pennsylvania State University
Main Points:
- As a whole, ag teachers do not feel extremely confident in incorporating STEM content into their lessons. Even though the two subjects parallel.
- Teachers must be intentional to draw connections to STEM in their programs.
- Some focus on STEM during preservice training could increase teachers’ confidence in these subject areas.
Guests: Milan Pozderac, Ty Casey, and Tracy Kitchel from Ohio State University
Main Points:
- Ag teachers’ biological children are very aware of the teaching lifestyle. They know what they are getting into when they decide to teach.
- There is a lot of pressure to live up to the standards of their ag teacher, but that pressure is almost entirely internal.
- These kids grow up and decide to teach because they saw firsthand how rewarding the profession is.
Here's this week's Best of the Best Rewind!
Are the winning CDE teams the only students really winning? How does losing, and how we treat losing, shape our students? Listen in as the Owl Pellets team talks about getting the most out of being losers (a topic Brian, Marshall, Kate, and Mike know all too much about)!
Guest: Tiffany Morey from Pennsylvania State University
Main Points:
- Covid-19 forced teachers to become more reliant on technology, mentoring was a major aspect that moved to a digital format.
- Teachers’ self-efficacy online has increased exponentially in recent years, providing new ways to reach students
- The internet is an overwhelming place. We must continue to share worthwhile online resources with our fellow teachers
Guests: Hunter-Anne Julian and Caleb Hickman from University of Kentucky
Main Points: These partnerships breakdown into four core elements:
-
- Authentic decision making
- Natural mentorship
- Reciprocal activity
- Community connectiveness
Guests: Kendra Flood and Kevin Curry from Pennsylvania State University
- Teachers should keep a log of total hours dedicated toward completion of the Three Circle Model so they can keep administrators aware.
- Extended Contracts are not for everyone, a teacher can get burnt out!
- Research shows younger teachers are more likely to want extended contracts when compared to more experienced teachers.
Guest: Brandie Disberger from Kansas State University
Main Points:
- Fresh teachers can fear what they do not know. It’s ok to ask questions!A formal mentor can go a long way.
- Find someone that will constructively reflect with you.
- One mentor does not fit all. Build yourself a network of people you can go to for different things.
Guests: Jay Solomonson from Illinois State University
- The presence of a support system is one of the biggest factors that keep teachers in the classroom. This can be support from administration, family, or both.
- Teachers need recognition too. Everyone wants their hard to work to be acknowledged in some way.
- Teachers want to make an impact on students. The more they are prepared and knowledgeable in their subject, the more their students learn.
Guests: Erik Johnson, Alicia Lund, Brooke Theil from North Dakota State University
- Always be prepared when requesting funds to purchase equipment. Have resources ready to validate your program’s needs.
- Keep a running list of needs. An administrator may find money that needs to be spent at any time.
- Teachers need to play the long game. Plan on acquiring equipment over time
Guests: Kasee Smith from University of Idaho, Raegan Ramage from Louisiana State University, Aaron McKim from Michigan State University, Tyson Sorensen from Utah State University
- We have seen an increase in efficiency. A lot can be accomplished through virtual meetings.
- Everyone’s teaching experience was different during the peak of COVID. Do not be afraid to continue or discontinue certain practices.
- Students are now much more grateful for opportunities, like going to contests, since they went without for a year.
Guests: Kasee Smith from University of Idaho, Raegan Ramage from Louisiana State University, Aaron McKim from Michigan State University, Tyson Sorensen from Utah State University
- More experienced teachers have a newfound proficiency in modern technology as a result of the pandemic.
- COVID took away a lot of key aspects of teaching that contribute to job satisfaction.
- Teachers are more likely to reach out to others for resources following the isolation of the pandemic.
How often to teachers move schools? The answer may surprise you! Join special guests Becky Haddad and Brett Milliken from Oregon State University for another interesting discussion with the Owl Pettets crew.
A discussion on agriculture teacher shortages with special guest Chris Eck from Oklahoma State University.
Do you have the characteristics common to effective ag teachers? Can you build some of them? Listen in as Dr. Chris Eck from Oklahoma State University discusses the characteristics of effective ag teachers!
Listen in as Kate, Brian, Marshall, and Mike talk about the hidden opportunities within the uproar surrounding the pandemic.
Listen in as Dr. Taylor Ruth shares her research and thoughts about the love-hate relationship between students and writing.
Listen in as Bella Damiani explains the importance of resilience and well-being...and how we can get it back when we lose it!
Listen in as Natalie Ferand talks to us about the genders we associate with each and every ag career, and how we can avoid sexism in promoting careers!
All this time out of the classroom may be a good opportunity to catch up on your own continuous learning. But where should you focus? Listen in as Dr. Scott Smalley from Iowa State talks to us about how to take control of your own professional development!
Listen in as Dr. Craig Edwards (OK State University) and Mason Jones (OK ag teacher) talk to us about the rise of competition in FFA, and how it both helps and hinders our programs today.
Listen in as Dr. Smalley talks to us about the early field experiences of preservice teachers, and how we can help them see what we hope they see in our programs!
Join Mike Retallick (going solo today) as he talks with folks at NAAE about students left behind!
Listen in as Dr. Travis Park talks to the Owl Pellets team about students from minority populations and how we can best serve all students.
Listen in as Dr. Ashley Yopp talks about her experiences examining her own teaching attitudes and how her students responded!
Are the winning CDE teams the only students really winning? How does losing, and how we treat losing, shape our students? Listen in as the Owl Pellets team talks about getting the most out of being losers (a topic Brian, Marshall, Kate, and Mike know all too much about)!
There are all sorts of ways to become an ag teacher, but some have been more popular that others. Is there really a difference in the quality of an ag teacher based on how they got their license? Listen in as Dr. Adam Marx talks with the Owl Pellets team about the ag ed in crowd!
Listen in as the Owl Pellets team talks about career prep, our ag roots, and the role of SAE in today's ag ed programs.
We all have parents and community members who want to help out, but sometimes that "help" can lead to more work for the teacher. Listen in as Dr. Sorensen shares with us the best ways to make sure volunteers make your job easier!
After years of getting attacked by misinformation, the Farm Babe is leading the good fight for agriculture! Listen in as she shares with the Owl Pellet team how we can help combat misinformation by sharing the stories of agriculture.
Listen in as Haley Traini chats with the male side of the Owl Pellets team about teacher expectations! Kate didn't make it to this one, she was busy trying to do all the things for all the people...
Can we collaborate without making it awkward? listen in as Catlin Pauley and Aaron McKim share their expert opinions!
Have you ever moved jobs, or thought about moving? Listen in as Becky Haddad talks to us about how teachers migrate throughout their programs and the impact that has on the profession!
Do you suffer from the 8 curriculum challenges facing many schools? Listen in to find out!
Do alternatively certified teachers leave the classroom at a higher rate than traditionally certified teachers?? Kelly Claflin and Dr. Misty Lambert give us the answer and tell us how to support all teachers in this week's podcast!
Listen in as Dr. Carley Morrison from Mississippi State University talks to us about the curriculum conundrum in agriculture classrooms!
Some things need to be said again, for the people in the back. CDEs can be a great teaching tool! To get a better look at how we can do more than chase plaques, we're going waaaay back to our 2nd episode ever! Listen in as a much younger Brian, Kate, and Marshall talk to Florida ag teacher Janyel Taylor (she's sporting a new last name since she recorded with us) about how she uses CDEs to amp up her teaching time.
Listen in as Mike, Brian, Kate, and Marshall mix research and opinions to consider which certification route is the best. Be sure to share your thoughts with us via social media...one way or another, we're talking about you!
Refresh your knowledge of the new SAE for All program with this Critical Conversation from last February.
Listen in as the Owl Pellet Crew debates whether Ag Ed really engages in contextual learning...or we all talk??
We're going back in time two years to hear what younger Brian, Kate, and Marshall had to say about the value of student competition. Does it still apply??
Listen in as teachers at NAAE's 2018 conference talk about how they encourage students to focus on learning through their wrong answers.
Listen in as a HUGE group of teachers at NAAE share their insight on what has kept them resilient through the years.
Listen in as Dr. Marshall Swafford from Eastern New Mexico State University talks with the Owl Pellets team about best practices when working with students who are members of Native American tribes.
Listen in as ag teachers at the 2018 NAAE Conference shared their struggles and tips related to student inclusion. What a fantastic group of teachers with so much insight to share!
Listen in as Dr. Hasselquist talks to the Owl Pellets team about the often forgotten full picture of agricultural literacy.
Listen in as Dr. Chris Clemons talks to the Owl Pellet team about leading conversations regarding agriculture!
Listen in as Dr. Hock from Kansas State University eases the fear often associated with the Agriscience Fair. Yes, you and your students can succeed in this contest!
Listen in as Dr. Kararo talks about the best ways to welcome homeschooled students into your Ag Ed program!
On this week of time change, right after National Convention, I'm sure we could all use a little extra motivation...so we've brought in the expert! Listen in as Dr. Amanda Bowling tells us about her research in student motivation!
Listen in as Dr.s Stair and Blackburn from Louisiana State University share their expertise about smartphone usage in the classroom. They also give us their favorite apps for student learning, and we promise at least one will be new to you!
If you've ever seen The Intern, you know the comic opportunity (and occasional conflict potential) that can arise when old fogies and young whippersnappers work in the same space. Listen in as Arkansas ag teachers discuss their perceptions of and tips for working with coteachers in different generations!
Listen in as Dr. Darrick, from University of Tennessee - Martin, discusses how he uses multiple homework attempts to get the most out of his students without drowning in assignment submissions.
We used to be an organization of boys...now girls outnumber boys in many aspects of the agricultural education program. Has the pendulum swung too far? If so, why, and what can we do to get the boys more involved again? Listen in as Arkansas ag teachers talk with Brian, Kate, and Marshall about the gender breakdown in their classrooms.
CASE is a household name among ag teachers these days. Administrators are on board, teachers love the structure...but what do the students think? Listen in as Kelsey Sands (Iowa State University) discusses what she found when she asked students about CASE!
Go to a different state, and the FFA Convention will be like a different world from the one you're used to - there are as many formats for state convention as there are states! Listen in as Arkansas ag teachers discuss the pros and cons of hosting state convention at a convention center versus an FFA camp.
Listen in as Dr. Don Johnson from the University of Arkansas leads us through our first LIVE podcast! After decades of helping students learn through laughter, Dr. Johnson shares his research-based tips for incorporating humor into the classroom.
Listen in as Valerie Bayes, Director of STEM Outreach at Monsanto, talks about how she sees agriculture teachers as some of the most powerful front line forces in the fight against agricultural ignorance. What a great way to start the year!