Influence of Selected Experiences on Perceived Levels of Competence of Secondary Vocational Agriculture Teachers

Competence in one's professional work role is important in the overall learning process. Ready (1967) described competence as a motivational factor that is responsible for individual achievement. However, results of numerous studies reveal that vocational agriculture teachers are experiencing difficulties in the performance of several professional activities. Parrington (1981) reported that activities involving adult education, supervised occupational experience programs, classroom teaching, advising FPA, and program administration were the main sources of problems for teachers. Also, other studies (King & Miller, 1985; Sunderhaus & Miller, 1985, and Amberson & Bishop, 1982) identified additional problems associated with the performance of professional activities of both beginning and experienced high school vocational agriculture teachers.