Title

The Relationship of Agricultural Mechanics Teachers’ Confidence in their Mathematic Skills and Confidence in their Ability to Teach Mathematic Skills

Author Info

Benjamin G, Swan, University of Idaho
Lori L. Moore, University of Idaho
Cody J. Echevarria, University of Idaho

Recommended Citation

Published in Western Region American Association for Agricultural Education Research Conference Proceedings: Park City, UT, Volume 27, April 16, 2008, pages 29-41.

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Benjamin G. Swan was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.

Abstract

This study assessed Idaho agricultural science and technology teachers that taught at least one agricultural mechanics course during the 2006-2007 school year in terms of their confidence level in their own mathematics skills and their ability to teach mathematics skills. Data were collected using Dillman’s Tailored Design Method (2000) resulting in a response rate of 56.84% (N=95, n=54). Data were used to identify relationships between the level of confidence in mathematic abilities and confidence in ability to teach mathematics. A strong relationship was found between the confidence agricultural mechanics teachers had in their ability to perform mathematic tasks and their confidence to teach mathematic skills. The respondents were completely confident in their mathematics skills and their ability to teach mathematics skills. Respondents who were confident in their ability to teach mathematics skills are poised to implement mathematics instruction within the agricultural mechanics courses they teach.

Disciplines

Agriculture

Copyright

2008 American Association for Agricultural Education