Owl Pellets: Tips For Ag Teachers

This episode unpacks compelling research on how diverse tech tools—from flipped classrooms to digital games—are impacting agricultural education at all levels. We reveal the growing gap between a rapidly evolving ag industry and current teaching methods, highlighting how integrating modern tech can significantly enhance student achievement, engagement, and teacher efficacy. This is a must-listen for ag teachers seeking to maintain program relevance, improve student outcomes, and equip graduates for a truly high-tech food and fiber future.   Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2458

Ever wondered how confident you are in supporting students with learning difficulties in SAEs? This episode digests research exploring how Georgia ag teachers perceive their ability to do just that! We uncover findings that show teachers value inclusive practices like using IEPs and adapting instruction, but often feel only moderately competent. Discover the vital role of hands-on preparation and targeted professional development in building confidence. Get practical tips on how collaborating with special education departments and seeking specific training can empower you to effectively include all learners in every aspect of ag ed, especially SAEs!   Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2841

Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the fourth section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how focusing on student motivation can help students learn. 

How can your ag program be a game-changer for students with special needs? This episode unpacks vital research exploring ag teachers' confidence and strategies for inclusion. We reveal how hands-on agricultural experiences are uniquely effective at building occupational skills, self-identity, and confidence, directly impacting future employment. Discover the importance of targeted professional development and concrete, adaptable instructional approaches that foster meaningful participation for every student. This is a must-listen for creating an inclusive, skill-building ag program that truly benefits all learners.   Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/133

Imagine parents as your biggest allies in ag ed! Amelia Miller explains groundbreaking national research on how much value parents place on their children learning about agriculture in school. Discover the surprising finding that parents overwhelmingly see agricultural topics as "very important" for K-12 students, regardless of their own background! Get ready for practical insights on how you can build stronger bridges with families, leverage this incredible parental interest for program growth, and partner with organizations like PTOs to position parents as powerful advocates for ag education.   Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2773

Ready to prepare your students for the real world? Michelle Burrows helps the Owl Pellet Crew digest vital research on integrating Socioscientific Issues (SSI) like climate change, GMOs, and food security into school-based agricultural education! Discover why these complex, multi-perspective topics are essential for building critical thinking and discussion skills. We'll explore how SSI-based instruction boosts content knowledge, scientific reasoning, and argumentation. Get ready for actionable classroom strategies on presenting multiple viewpoints and facilitating open debates, empowering you to guide students to be informed problem solvers and engaged citizens.   Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2752

Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the third section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how students' organization of knowledge plays a role in learning.   

How effective is your FFA chapter's social media strategy? Raquel Taylor, Taylor Ruth, and Nathan Conner dive into research exploring how secondary agriculture teachers use social media to promote their FFA chapters. We examine which platforms are favored, the content shared, and the significant benefits teachers experience. Despite widespread use, findings reveal untapped potential and a clear need for professional development. This is a must-listen for insights into optimizing your social media presence, reaching the right audiences, and elevating your FFA chapter's story online for greater impact.   Journal article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/40

Ready to supercharge scientific thinking and real-world skills in your students? This episode digests research on how U.S. agriculture teachers implement Agriscience Fair programs! Discover the complex decisions teachers make and how these fairs uniquely strengthen scientific thinking, hands-on learning, communication, and interview skills. We'll explore the power of cross-curricular collaboration (hello, English teachers!) and building science literacy cultures. Get ready for insights on overcoming barriers and using peer support to blend classroom theory with engaging, practical life skill development for every student.   Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2920

Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the second section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how prior knowledge plays a role in learning. 

How can your agriscience classroom cultivate strong agricultural literacy that goes beyond hands-on skills? This episode digests research exploring how SBAE teachers are promoting ag literacy through speaking, listening, and writing activities! Discover how explicit explanations, group discussions, and project-based work help students grasp complex vocabulary and apply concepts to real life. We'll also tackle common challenges like time constraints for writing. Get ready for practical insights on how intentionally weaving communication into your lessons, alongside labs, prepares students to truly understand and advocate for agriculture!   Journal Article: http://jsaer.org/2024/04/22/exploring-agricultural-literacy-instructional-practices-for-advancing-student-writing-in-agricultural-education/

Ever feel like you're constantly balancing on the edge of burnout? This episode introduces the Donut Model for Ag Teacher Success! Adapted from Doughnut Economics, this new framework offers a fresh way to understand the sweet spot between minimum and maximum productivity boundaries. Learn how factors like mentoring, support systems, and workload management can help you thrive, not just survive. Get ready for new language to advocate for your well-being and find fulfillment in ag teaching!   Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2764

Have you ever wondered what it takes to produce this podcast? Who is this mysterious fourth person of the Owl Pellets crew? For the past three seasons, Kyleigh Hilburn has been behind the scenes producing Owl Pellets: Tips for Ag Teachers Podcast. In this week's episode, Brian and Becky pull Kyleigh out from the background and into the guest's chair. Hear all about what it takes to produce a podcast, life as a graduate student, and be engaged with teaching, research, and extension at a land-grant institution. 

Ready to unlock deeper student involvement and real-world learning? This episode digests a powerful 7-year study on the CROPS Project, grounded in the transformative Youth-Adult Partnership (YAP) Theory! Discover how fostering genuine collaboration between youth and adults in ag education can dramatically enhance student motivation, build practical skills (like farm safety!), and strengthen classroom relationships. Learn why YAP isn't just a strategy, but a sustainable and impactful model for agricultural educators seeking profound learning outcomes.   Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2394

Ever feel like you're running on empty? This episode digests vital research on "margin" in the lives of ag educators – that crucial buffer between your workload and your personal resources! Discover why having more margin is key to maintaining wellness, boosting creativity, and finding greater satisfaction in ag teaching. We'll share actionable strategies from the study on how you can protect and grow your margin, helping you stay energized and effective in the classroom.   Journal Article: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/2827

Brian, Becky, and Mike are back to diving into how learning works. Throughout this episode, they will dive deep into the first section of the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike chat about how student identity and development play a role in learning. 

What do school superintendents really want your ag program to teach? This episode digests research exploring how district leaders prioritize essential employability skills within SBAE curricula! Discover why critical thinking, problem-solving, and resource management are top priorities. Learn how superintendents view these skills as "very" or "extremely important" for student careers, reinforcing the need for ag teachers to deliberately incorporate them. Get actionable insights on how to prioritize, teach, and assess these vital skills to better prepare your students for college and the workforce!   Journal Article: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jrtc/vol8/iss2/3

Ready to empower every student, no matter their background? This "pellet" delivers crucial insights from research on Positive Youth Development in rural, low-SES high schools! Learn how SBAE programs are uniquely positioned to build student confidence, competence, and belonging. We'll explore the importance of trauma-informed teaching and mental health support, plus concrete strategies to foster the Five Cs of PYD in your classroom and FFA activities, ensuring every student has the support to thrive.   Journal Articles:  https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/article/view/127 https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/ruraleducator/vol44/iss2/9/  

Ready to fine-tune your classroom and lab skills? Ryan Best, Iowa State University, digests key research on essential instructional practices in School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE)! We'll explore how effective teaching aligns with the eight AFNR career pathways, covering everything from supervising labs and managing equipment to recruiting students and adapting to hybrid learning. Discover the practical strategies and adaptable approaches you need to meet diverse student needs, boost achievement, and find greater satisfaction in your vital role as an ag teacher.    Journal Article

Another season, another mini-series! This season, Brian, Becky, and Mike are diving into how learning works. Throughout this mini-series, they will dive deep into the book "How Learning Works: 8 Research-Based Principles for Smart Learning." Marsha Lovett, Michael Birdges, Michele DiPietro, Susan Ambrose, and Maria Norman focused this book on making learning work for you and your students! Come along as Brian, Becky, and Mike break down this book and its concepts.