Response Patterns: Effect of Day of Receipt of an E-Mailed Survey Instrument on Response Rate, Response Time, and Response Quality

Are you seeking ways to improve response to e-mailed survey instruments? We examined effects of day of receipt of an e-mailed survey instrument on 1) response rate, 2) length of time lapsed in responding, and 3) quality of response. No significant differences were explained by day of receipt of an e-mailed survey instrument on response rate, response time, or response quality. Two recommendations evolved: 1) use a complement of best practices, including advanced notice and multiple follow-up to increase participation of potential nonrespondents, and 2) understand the audience\u27s preferred modality, organizational values, communication patterns, and medium to elicit information

Through Students' Eyes: Perceptions and Aspirations of College of Agriculture and Life Science Students Regarding International Educational Experiences

Abstract This study examined perceptions and aspirations of 956 students concerning international educational experiences. Drawn as a purposive critical cas

Importance of Mechanical Activities Performed by Outstanding Young Farmers In Mississippi

Significant changes are occurring in the work place, and these changes must be reflected in the vocational education curriculum. A task force of the American Vocational Association (1981) developed a national agenda for vocational education which identified remaining current in the technical subject area as a major concern among vocational educators. More recently, a national study on vocational education placed the topic of “Keeping up with technological changes” third on a list of 60 topics of concern (Zellner & Parrish, 1986). Vocational agriculture faces a similar challenge to meet the needs of the changing agricultural industry. Curriculum content rapidly becomes obsolete and should be changed as needed. Weston ( 1959) c o n - ducted a study of mechanical jobs performed by selected farmers in Missouri . Weston’s instrument has been modified and used by Knott (1971), Shinn (1971) and Long (1981) to survey the mechanical skills needed by farmers

EFFECTS OF SIMULATION ON COGNITIVE ACHIEVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE M ECHANICS

Teachers constantly face the decision of how to design instruction which will best meet the needs of the learner. These decisions include selecting methods and techniques. The selection process requires not only that the teacher be aware of how to use various techniques, but that he/she know which types of students learn best with various techniques, which techniques should be used under various conditions and what levels or types of information can best be learned using various techniques

Understanding Afghan opinion leaders\u27 viewpoints about post-conflict foreign agricultural development: A case study in Herāt Province, Afghanistan

This investigation sprang from a yearlong immersion in post-conflict agricultural development environments in Herāt Province Afghanistan and from observing an array of NGO development projects. The purpose was to understand better the viewpoints of Afghan opinion leaders regarding the adoption-integration of foreign agricultural development. Objectives included (a) the identification of perceived strengths of foreign agricultural development, (b) perceived weaknesses, (c) opportunities, (d) threats, (e) anomalies, and (f) incentives and barriers. The case method fit the qualitative research design, and IRB approved the protocols. Researchers selected 15 opinion leaders (OLs) based on their knowledge, experience, and positional responsibilities. An interview guide framed 13 open-ended questions. A researcher fluent in Farsi/Pashto/English assisted with each interview. The findings from 15 interviews emerged as 11 themes. Fourteen OLs recognized agriculture and natural resources as strengths for development. Opinion Leaders recognized government, infrastructure, and corruption as fundamental weaknesses. Opinion Leaders were slow to identify opportunities but generally identified opportunities to exploit labor, land, and water coupled with improving management and mechanization. They universally recognized threats related to personal security and safety but had difficulty separating internal weaknesses from external threats. Two anomalies emerged as incongruous expectations about Afghan government and foreign NGOs. Improving market chains and increasing governmental subsidies were incentives for development. The authors conclude that indigenous knowledge is a fundamental resource and a foundation for local-level decision making and sustainability. Opinion Leaders serve as channels to move the society from poverty and conflict toward security and peacebuilding. The tension between Maslow\u27s hierarchy of needs and Max-Neef\u27s interrelated and interactive needs should be explored

Understanding Afghan opinion leaders\u27 viewpoints about post-conflict foreign agricultural development: A case study in Herāt Province, Afghanistan

This investigation sprang from a yearlong immersion in post-conflict agricultural development environments in Herāt Province Afghanistan and from observing an array of NGO development projects. The purpose was to understand better the viewpoints of Afghan opinion leaders regarding the adoption-integration of foreign agricultural development. Objectives included (a) the identification of perceived strengths of foreign agricultural development, (b) perceived weaknesses, (c) opportunities, (d) threats, (e) anomalies, and (f) incentives and barriers. The case method fit the qualitative research design, and IRB approved the protocols. Researchers selected 15 opinion leaders (OLs) based on their knowledge, experience, and positional responsibilities. An interview guide framed 13 open-ended questions. A researcher fluent in Farsi/Pashto/English assisted with each interview. The findings from 15 interviews emerged as 11 themes. Fourteen OLs recognized agriculture and natural resources as strengths for development. Opinion Leaders recognized government, infrastructure, and corruption as fundamental weaknesses. Opinion Leaders were slow to identify opportunities but generally identified opportunities to exploit labor, land, and water coupled with improving management and mechanization. They universally recognized threats related to personal security and safety but had difficulty separating internal weaknesses from external threats. Two anomalies emerged as incongruous expectations about Afghan government and foreign NGOs. Improving market chains and increasing governmental subsidies were incentives for development. The authors conclude that indigenous knowledge is a fundamental resource and a foundation for local-level decision making and sustainability. Opinion Leaders serve as channels to move the society from poverty and conflict toward security and peacebuilding. The tension between Maslow\u27s hierarchy of needs and Max-Neef\u27s interrelated and interactive needs should be explored

Redefining Agricultural and Extension Education as a Field of Study: Consensus of Fifteen Engaged International Scholars

Abstract Definitions are in tension between historical and future meaning. Definition