Caroline Black, Holli Leggette, Debbie Prince, Shannon Lawrence, and Billy McKim Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications – Texas A&M University ― Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences embraces the concept of providing students “stimulating educational environments” (Sams, 2010) ― Engage students in multiple cultures and environments ― Implement learning environments to emotionally and actively engage students Introduction: How it works: I. Pre-Experience Students were required to ― Complete application ― Enroll in 2 credit hour course ― Attend all scheduled class meetings ― Pay all associated trip costs Future plans/Advice to others: ― Plan future field experiences to the National FFA Convention and develop semester-long courses for (60+) students to experience: • Production agriculture • American resilience • Culture ― Quantitative and qualitative data were collected ― The following themes were evident in the student reflections: • Emotion • Culture • Barriers / Risks • Professionalism • Service • Career • Desire to Know ― Upon returning to campus: • CFFA Chapter re-established • Industry career opportunities accepted by students • Internship with Case-New Holland • Full-time position at a West Texas feedlot • Layout and story from the experience was published in Drive magazine Results to Date/Implications: Costs/Resources needed Trip cost break down: ― Van rentals + fuel + lodging = $7,000 • $500 per student • $450 (students paid) ― Food was not included in the budget price Student participation in high-impact experiential learning activities is essential to their learning process, deepening the understanding of the outside world (Dewey, 1933; Kolb, 1984). II. Field Experience ― 8-day field experience from Texas to Indiana ― 7 teaching sites ― Cohort included • 13 undergraduate students • 1 graduate student • 2 teaching assistants • 1 Fulbright Scholar • 1 assistant professor Teaching sites: A. Joplin, Missouri B. Amish & Mennonite communities C. John Deere World Headquarters D. National FFA Convention E. Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri F. Warm Springs Ranch G. Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial *Letters correspond with map and photos III. Post-Experience All students completed ― Two-page reflection papers ― An online questionnaire ― Final projects by major ― Provide “high levels of achievement, life and career readiness, and professional success” (Doerfert, 2011, p. 9) ― Field experience was developed for students to experience a more engaged, active, and relevant learning environment (Bringle & Hatcher, 1999, p. 83) A. B. C. D. E. F. G.