Research

The department's current research priorities are outlined in the strategic plan in goal 1.

The department will implement a strategic programmatic research agenda

Objective of Goal 1
(Baseline for each objective is currently zero)

1. Within five years, the department will evaluate coaching and training practices that result in effective program and curriculum development and evaluation.
2. Within five years, determine best practices for preparing college faculty and graduate students for teaching roles.
3. Within five years, identify and evaluate methods for teaching students to think critically and creatively in their discipline.
4. Within five years measure the effectiveness of innovation in improving teaching and learning in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech.
5. Within three years, determine the best practices for preparing beginning extension agents and agriculture teachers.
6. Within one year, explore the need, interest, and demand for a broad based Ph.D. in agricultural education.
7. Within five years, measure the effectiveness of the distance delivered masters program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech.
8. Within five years, measure the effectiveness of the Agricultural Sciences degree in preparing undergraduates for success.
9. Within one year, determine skills desired by Virginia Agriculture and Life Sciences employers for new employees.
10. Within two years, determine best practices for college student recruitment in agricultural and related sciences majors.
11. Within three years, determine best practices in implementing experiential learning programs in secondary agricultural education programs.
12. Within three years, evaluate the current curriculum utilized in the secondary agricultural education programs in Virginia.
13. Within three years, determine the impact of leadership education programs in secondary agricultural education.
14. Within three years, determine the impact of community service conducted at the local FFA chapter level.
15. Within three years, determine the level of science content taught at the secondary level in agricultural education.
16. Within three years, measure and compare science knowledge and application skills between agricultural education and non-agricultural education students.
17. Within two years, evaluate the National FFA career development events from a student perspective. Within five years, evaluate from a teacher and employer perspective.
18. Within two years, determine the fit of career development events in secondary agricultural education curriculum.
19. Within three years, determine the prevailing models for extension program development and evaluation. Within five years, identify program development and evaluation best practices.