A team of nine researchers from the United States spent 10 days exploring the formal agricultural education system in Trinidad and Tobago from primary education through postgraduate education. Data were collected from interviews and observations from students, teachers/instructors, and agricultural producers. The team concluded that (a) the people in Trinidad and Tobago involved in agriculture (teachers, students, and producers) are passionate about agriculture, but believe that the general public demeans agricultural workers and work; (b) Trinidad and Tobago has the capacity to develop a well-trained workforce through a comprehensive agricultural education system that spans from primary education to doctoral instruction, however there was little interaction between the various educational systems; and (c) pedagogical training for agriculture educators at all levels can be improved. Furthermore, conclusions related to nine specific areas of interest are discussed and six recommendations for improving the formal agricultural education system in Trinidad and Tobago are provided. As an exploratory study, the findings and conclusions drawn only begin to shed light on ways to improve human capacity development in Trinidad and Tobago. Thus, future research is warranted to further understand and improve Trinidad and Tobago's human capacity development efforts.
Earning a bachelor’s degree has been documented as a potential social equalizer in American society. Yet, it has also been documented that first-generation college students (FGCS) have incongruently accessed and earned college degrees. This phenomenon has potentially perpetuated life-long differences in social outcomes in American society. As research continues to explain the experiences of FGCS, little has been done to explore differences for FGCS by college major or affiliation. However, a small but growing body of researchers are examining the experiences and outcomes of college of agriculture and related sciences students, specifically those enrolled at land grant institutions. The researchers in this study sought to describe college success indicators including on-campus involvement, leadership, and sense of belonging by generational status, and college affiliation at a large, midwestern, public, research-intensive institution. Overall, it was found that no differences were reported by generational status or college affiliation for the investigated college success indicators. These findings are different than previous literature in that FGCS were not lesser than their peers. Consequently, these findings add to the understanding of FGCS college experiences insofar as college affiliation may be playing a mitigating role in disparities among FGCS.
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