Perceptions of higher agricultural education toward sustainable agricultural development
Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning
ISSN: 2042-3896
Article publication date: 8 October 2019
Issue publication date: 20 January 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the purposes and current outcomes of Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree program in Austria. It identifies the ability of higher agricultural education (HAE) curriculum to meet its purpose by way of validating its current outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used survey research design to purposively sample faculty members and graduating students under the bachelor degree program of Agricultural Science at BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna. In addition to a self-administered questionnaire, key informant interviews were also conducted to validate the data gathered.
Findings
The Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree program in Austria aims to develop the student scientific understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of agriculture. The program also gears toward developing their lifelong learning skills. Analysis of the difference reveals congruence in the perceptions of agricultural education professionals and students regarding the intended and expected learning outcomes of the HAE curriculum. The findings affirm how the purposes and outcomes of HAE curriculum have been met successfully and their implications to BS Agriculture curriculum in the University of the Philippines. The findings are grounded on the firm foundations of Austrian higher education system from their strategic curriculum planning, design, and implementation to evaluation where all stages are done in consultation with the various stakeholders. Truly a community of dedicated members of the academic and administrative staff is a powerful tool toward curricular advancement in HAE institutions.
Practical implications
The subject of this study, in particular BOKU University, provides a concrete example that not only the University of the Philippines Los Baños but all the other agricultural universities around the world could learn from.
Social implications
This study serves as a springboard for the development of new and innovative models of curriculum and instruction in the Philippines and other agricultural developing countries in the world.
Originality/value
This is an original study that provides discussion on the link between a developed country as a possible model and a developing country in terms of HAE. It helps the HAE institutions realize the ways on how their educational aspirations will turn into reality when it comes to fulfilling their role in supplying a well-trained and productive workforce for the agricultural economy toward sustainable agriculture development in one’s own country.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank BOKU University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna which served as the Host University. Special thanks to Priv.-Doz. Dr Maria Wurzinger, who served as the Host Supervisor and all the heads and staff of BOKU Center for Development Research, and the Center for International Relations, the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD) for providing the research fund from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy (BMWFW) within ASEA UNINET, the faculty and students of the Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, and other BOKU units which provided the data needed for the study.
Citation
Ortega-Dela Cruz, R. (2020), "Perceptions of higher agricultural education toward sustainable agricultural development", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 187-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-06-2019-0080
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited