This study investigated the effects of field trips on agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurship skills of students at Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Four research questions and three hypotheses were postulated. Experimental design method was adopted and Yamane method of sample selection was used to obtain a sample size of 200 respondents from a total population of 518 Students for the experimental and control groups. A structured questionnaire was used to administer questions burdening on exposure of students to modern methods of Agriculture, acquisition of Entrepreneurship skills, retention and the utilization of skills learnt after field trips. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed the following, that: there was a significant difference in the mean scores between the experimental and control groups (p-value = 0.00, < = 0.05) on the exposure of students to modern methods of Agriculture; acquisition of Agricultural entrepreneurship skills was statistically significant ( p = 0.01, < = 0.05) and the difference between the mean score of the groups on retention ability of the students after field trips was also statistically significant. (p-value = 0.00).
Hence, the study concluded that field trips broaden and expose participating students to modern methods of agriculture, enhances entrepreneurship skills and contributes to retention and utilization of knowledge and skills learnt during the visits. Therefore, fieldtrip was a contributing factor in increasing agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurship skills among students in tertiary institutions. It was recommended that field trips be funded and implemented by Government and institutions’ managements to enhance students’ creativity, innovativeness and prepare them as solution providers for the world of work.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Objectives of the Study
3. Hypotheses
4. Statement of the Problem
5. Methodology
5.1 Sample Population (Yamane Formular)
5.2 Analysis and Results Presentation
6. Testing of Research Hypotheses
7. Summary of Finding
8. Discussion of the Results
9. Conclusion and Recommendation
9.1 Recommendation and Policy Implications
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to investigate the impact of participation in field trips on the acquisition and retention of agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial skills among students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The research evaluates whether practical, experiential learning environments yield superior academic outcomes compared to traditional classroom-based instruction.
- Measurement of agricultural knowledge acquisition via field-based learning.
- Evaluation of entrepreneurship skill development through practical exposure.
- Comparison of instructional effectiveness between experimental and control student groups.
- Analysis of constraints hindering the implementation of field trips in agricultural education.
- Assessment of knowledge retention rates following experiential learning sessions.
Excerpt from the Publication
Statement of the Problem
Field trips is a practical course, which take students away from their classrooms, laboratories and experimental research farms to an entirely new environment for learning, understanding and comparing what they were instructed in their schools with real life situations. Field trips have not been studied or taken seriously in tertiary institutions in Nigeria in recent times, and many aspects of the large-scale utilization of the benefits of this course remain unknown, though it is included in academic curriculum as a mandate for certification of candidates in tertiary institutions.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides background on the importance of agricultural literacy and the definition of agriprenuership in the context of modern farming education.
2. Objectives of the Study: Outlines the primary goal of ascertaining the effect of field trips on skill acquisition and defines the specific research objectives.
3. Hypotheses: Presents the three null hypotheses regarding the differences in educational outcomes between participants and non-participants of field trips.
4. Statement of the Problem: Identifies the gap in current research regarding the effectiveness and practical implementation of field trips in Nigerian institutions.
5. Methodology: Details the experimental research design, the Yamane sampling method used for 518 students, and the statistical analysis techniques applied.
6. Testing of Research Hypotheses: Reports the results of t-tests comparing student performance across agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial skill categories.
7. Summary of Finding: Synthesizes the empirical results, confirming significant improvements in knowledge acquisition and retention for the experimental group.
8. Discussion of the Results: Interprets the findings in the context of existing literature and highlights the benefits of exposure to real-world agricultural environments.
9. Conclusion and Recommendation: Summarizes the study’s conclusions regarding the efficacy of field trips and offers policy guidance for curriculum integration.
9.1 Recommendation and Policy Implications: Suggests practical steps for government and school management to overcome constraints such as funding and scheduling.
Key Terms
Field Trip, Agriprenuership, Agricultural knowledge, Entrepreneurial skills, Experiential learning, Tertiary education, Nigeria, Yamane formula, Academic performance, Skill retention, Practical training, Curriculum development, Educational tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research study?
The study investigates the impact of field trips on the agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial skills of students at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Nigeria.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The central themes include experiential learning, agricultural literacy, the transition from classroom theory to practical application, and the improvement of skill retention through field engagement.
What is the core research question?
The core inquiry focuses on whether students who participate in field trips demonstrate significantly higher levels of agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial capability compared to those who do not.
Which scientific methodology was utilized for this research?
The study utilized an experimental research design, employing the Yamane method for sample determination and statistical t-tests to evaluate the significance of the results between control and experimental groups.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the theoretical importance of field trips, the demographic sampling of 518 students, hypothesis testing, data analysis tables, and a discussion on overcoming common constraints in educational travel.
Which keywords best characterize this scientific publication?
Relevant keywords include: Field Trip, Agriprenuership, Agricultural knowledge, Entrepreneurial skills, Experiential learning, and Academic achievement.
According to the findings, what are the primary constraints regarding field trips?
The study identified limited funding, scheduling conflicts with academic calendars, and administrative negligence as the most significant barriers to implementing effective field trip programs.
How does the author propose bridging the gap between theory and practice?
The author emphasizes that field trips provide the most realistic environment for learning. Recommendations include formal policy changes to ensure field trips are adequately funded and included as essential parts of the curriculum.
How were the test groups distinguished from one another?
The groups were divided into 'Experimental', composed of students who participated in field trips, and 'Control', consisting of students who remained in traditional classroom settings.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Udeme Usanga (Autor:in), 2023, Effect of Field Trips on Agripreneurship Knowledge and Skills Development among Students in Tertiary. Agripreneurship and Field Trips, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1387600
