Modular Design Approach for Agricultural Education.

The modular curriculum for agricultural education was developed and refined by teachers and consultants to meet student needs for a more flexible type of curriculum in which the student's occupational goals would form the basis for program planning. The module--a unit of curriculum based on the development of entry level competencies--contains the following characteristics: 30 hours of instruction, student oriented, immediate goal attainment, free standing, body of related content, and continuous revision. The modular design program, for 16-18 year olds, is characterized by its greater subject matter choice, open door policy, seasonality, free flow of student movement, secondary or continuing education levels, individualization, and enrichment. A step-by-step procedure is offered to help establish such a program, including a list of personnel responsibilities and duties. Conducting the program involves preparation, module introduction, work experience programs, and youth leadership development activities. Different methods for program evaluation are proposed; forms for both a student and a teacher evaluation are included. The classification system for modules is a 16-page concluding section providing an explanation of the classification system, a description of the types of modules, and an index of over 200 modules prepared to date. (AG)