Assessing knowledge acquisition through lecture and cooperative learning: Traditional and non-traditional secondary students in agriculture

Currently, students entering secondary agricultural education programs have less knowledge and hands-on experience about agriculture than previous generations. Agricultural educators are challenged to vary teaching practices to meet student needs. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in knowledge acquisition between students enrolled in secondary agricultural education classes taught by cooperative learning and lecture instruction. Additionally, this study explored the knowledge acquisition of traditional and non-traditional secondary agricultural education students and perceptions of instructional methods presented. Eight schools participated in the study. No significant difference was seen in test scores between methods of instruction, but a significant difference was noted between traditional and non-traditional students. Overall, students preferred the lecture based instruction. The study found that both methods of instruction improved knowledge acquisition. The study also found that traditional students had a higher gain in knowledge acquisition than non-traditional students.