AN INDUSTRY/VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL EDUCATION LINKAGE MODEL TO FACILITATE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND REVISION IN ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of state nursery associations in planning and revising ornamental horticulture curricula at postsecondary institutions of less than baccalaureate level. The method and level of involvement, as well as the opinions concerning involvement, were examined to provide a basis for the development of a linkage model.;The data from the survey instruments were tabulated and, where appropriate, comparisons were made between the two groups. Data were analyzed using frequency responses and statistical tests. The 2 x 2 chi-square test with Yate's correction continuity and the R by C contingency tabled chi-square test were used. The .01 level of significance was used for each test. Responses from the unstructured items on the questionnaires were also tabulated and presented.;The data collected in this study indicated that there was contact between nursery associations and educational institutions regarding curriculum development and revision. Both groups agreed that nursery associations can serve to facilitate the development and revision of the ornamental horticulture curriculum. Personal contact was considered by both groups as the most appropriate communication method for developing a linkage.;Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations were offered to facilitate the linkage development process: (1) Support from both parties should be engendered to promote linkage development. (2) The linkage should be developed in a systematic manner, first opening a line of communication, and then progressing to the cooperation level. (3) The linking activities should serve to maintain the relationship. (4) The linkage should be evaluated on a continuous basis to assess its effectiveness and provide for improvement.;Data were collected using mailed questionnaires. The questionnaires were sent to 45 state nursery association executives and 258 educators throughout the United States. The response rate was 84.4 percent from the nursery association executives and 75.9 percent from the educators.;In conclusion, curriculum development and revision in vocational-technical education could be accomplished with greater industry input by fostering and maintaining an industry/education linkage.