SOL ATE - Student and Organizational Learning Advanced Technological Education


AgrowKnowledge™ Newsletter Article

    AgrowKnowledge™ welcomed three Iowa State University staff members Dr. Frankie Laanan, Associate Professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Dr. Latrice Eggleston, Postdoctoral Research Associate, and Christopher Duree, Research Associate and Doctoral Student to campus March 21 to 23. They are working on a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant “Student and Organizational Learning: Preparing the 21st Century Technician.”

    With an emphasis on two-year colleges, the NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program focuses on the training and education needed to produce the high-skilled science and engineering technicians demanded by our nation’s workforce and economy. The NSF supports this initiative through projects designed to improve the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) preparation of technicians. Specifically, funded projects are designed to: 1) develop, disseminate, implement, and assess new curriculum and teaching methodologies; 2) provide professional development of faculty; and 3) foster collaboration between academic institutions and employers.

    The purpose of this study is to investigate ATE programs in community colleges, and in particular student assessment practices, best practices in ATE programs, and the leadership development role of ATE programs. Dr. Norena Badway, Principal Investigator, from University of the Pacific and Dr. Laanan, Co-Principal Investigator, of the grant are visiting 6 of the 30 plus ATE centers. AgrowKnowledge™ and Kirkwood are a part of the study.

    While on campus, they interviewed members of the Agriscience Faculty at Kirkwood Community College and the AgrowKnowledge™ Staff.

    “Our research team’s site visit to the AgrowKnowledge™ Center served as a tremendous inspiration for our project. To say the least, faculty, students, and staff were impressive while campus facilities and technological resources were outstanding. Additionally, the relationships that have been built with business and industry continue to play a significant role in the overall success of the Center and Agricultural Sciences programs. Clearly, the AgrowKnowledge™ Center is advancing high caliber educational opportunities for students and top-notch professional development for instructors in diversified fields in agriculture and emerging technologies at Kirkwood Community College as well as their partner institutions. We look forward to another exciting visit in the near future.”