Teaching Special Populations

The emphasis in preparing teachers of agriculture is normally on secondary and postsecondary instruction. Within the secondary and postsecondary setting, learners with special needs often present a challenge to the teacher. In addition to teaching learners with special needs, many beginning teachers look forward to teaching youth but are somewhat apprehensive about teaching adults. Part IV of this book is designed to provide help with modified methods to successfully teach the client groups of (1) learners with special needs and (2) adults.

Chapter 12 provides definitions of learners with special needs with various types of disabilities. It presents the importance of proper attitudes on the part of the teacher. Special learning needs and teaching methods are provided for each learner. Practices are suggested for student attitude development, personal development, and supervised experience. Instructional enrichment methods are presented that teachers will also find of value in teaching all students.

Adult education is described in Chapter 13 as an important function of the public schools. Various types of adult education in agriculture are described, and a rationale for adult education is presented. Adult learner characteristics are included to enable better understanding on the part of teachers. Methods for course planning and techniques for class and individual instruction are also discussed.