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The place of agricultural education in a National Curriculum. Nigel Grant – President, NAAE. What we have traditionally done. a) Contribute to science education in years 7-12 – but especially, years 11-12. What we have traditionally done.
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The place of agricultural education in a National Curriculum • Nigel Grant – President, NAAE 16th Biennial Conference - National Association of Agricultural Educators
What we have traditionally done..... a) Contribute to science education in years 7-12 – but especially, years 11-12 16th Biennial Conference - National Association of Agricultural Educators
What we have traditionally done..... b) Contribute to Vocational Education & Training in years 9-12 16th Biennial Conference - National Association of Agricultural Educators
Tradition is fine, but the world is changing... • National Curriculum • There is widespread lack of knowledge with respect to agricultural production – a growing disconnection between consumers and producers • Increasing community expectations in terms of environmental sustainability and food safety 16th Biennial Conference - National Association of Agricultural Educators
Other issues impacting our profession... • Financial pressure (less funding for teaching agricultural subjects) • Declining enrolments in agricultural subjects – especially senior Agricultural Science • An aging teacher population 16th Biennial Conference - National Association of Agricultural Educators
An analogy (re-visited)... The changes that are facing us are a bit like Climate Change... • Some want to deny it (and hope it will go away) • In some circumstances we can seek to mitigate the changes • In other ways, we must adapt 16th Biennial Conference - National Association of Agricultural Educators
Ways to mitigate change Contribute to the debate – at national, state and local school level ACARA encourages involvement of all stakeholders during this key stage of curriculum development. Opportunities will be available to provide feedback on the draft curriculum through: Completion of an on-line survey State/territory and national consultation forums Some short-term, intensive activities with teachers and schools using the draft curriculum materials. 16th Biennial Conference - National Association of Agricultural Educators
Ways to adapt to change We need to re-invent ourselves and our view of agricultural education... • Broaden our concept of agricultural education to include all years of schooling • Refine our concept of agricultural education to highlight our ability to help students connect with the new world order priorities of climate change, food security and energy security 16th Biennial Conference - National Association of Agricultural Educators
More ways to adapt to change We need to enter into strategic alliances... • Primary Industries Education Foundation • Other professional associations • Australian Association of Environmental Educators • Australian Science Teachers Association 16th Biennial Conference - National Association of Agricultural Educators