The purpose of the study was to identify what specific characteristics and environmental conditions were perceived to encourage or prohibit Hispanic students from enrolling in Agricultural Education programs and participating in Agricultural Education activities. Focus groups interviews were utilized for data collection.
This qualitative study utilized descriptive and casual-comparative research methods. The target population of this study was the 112 students from Coronado High School, El Paso, Texas, enrolled in the Production Agriculture / Agricultural Business program. A set of researcher-developed questions was used as a method to guide discussion of focus groups consisting of six to eight students per class period.
The findings from the study concerning the perceptions held about Agricultural Education by Coronado High School Students related to: (a) their decision to enroll in agriculture classes, (b) the perceptions of family and friends, (c) the perceptions of other teachers, (d) feelings of acceptance while participating in activities, and (e) ways to make everyone feel more accepted in Agricultural Education.
The findings of the study indicated that there were particular aspects of both Agricultural Education classes and activities that could possibly play a critical factor in both encouraging and prohibiting Hispanic students from enrolling in Agricultural Education classes and participating in Agricultural Education activities.