Description | Goals | Process | Evaluation | Contact

Description

For students to successfully navigate their way in the job market they need writing and communication skills, in addition to an ability to think creatively and critically. During their undergraduate years students learnt how to write scientific papers and essays and how to present these papers to a scientific audience. Their ability to communicate this knowledge to a lay audience is developed in the subject Communication in the Agrifood Industry.

Communication in the Agrifood Industry is a third year subject that consists of three 2-hour formal periods per week over a Semester. These periods are divided into;

• electronic communication
• guest speaker
• student presentations
  
  

The subject provides students with experience and skills in several areas they will need if they work in agricultural production and related job environments. Indeed, many of the skills learnt here are applicable to many other career choices.

In this evolving course students learn by doing and their assessment is integrated into the activities and based on the proposed outcomes.

Goals

• To provide an opportunity for students to integrate and extend their knowledge of agricultural science and policy
• To incorporate scientific information effectively into agricultural management practices and the formulation of new policies
• To develop communication skills preparing participants for an involvement in local, national and international developments in agriculture and environment
  
  

Process

This subject forms a bridge between the rigorous academic study already undertaken by students and the working environment they will soon encounter. The students are given the practical skills necessary to interact with and influence others through the four elements of the course structure.

Computer Groups. Here the students learn to communicate electronically, to retrieve local and international information through the Library system and the World Wide Web, and to prepare a homepage.

Student Presentations. The value of discovery or technological breakthrough is ultimately judged by the extent to which it leads to changes in practice. In the agricultural sector, the findings of research are transmitted to farmers and other end-users through extension services. It is their activities that determine, in part, how fast farmers and others learn about new technologies. This section of the subject involves the writing of a Press Release and a Poster. The presentations are marked by the students as well as the subject convenor. This year the posters will be presented as a component of the "Waite Science on Show" event (part of the "Innovate SA" activities).

Job Application. Students respond to realistic job advertisements that include selection criteria and a job description. They perform job interviews with a panel of experienced academics, who provide valuable feedback after the interview.

Invited Speaker Presentations. Outside expert views on agricultural practice and policy, seminar presentation, job application skills, career prospects etc. The speakers are generally invited to provide unconventional views and a forward-looking perspective of their area. Students are encouraged to raise critical issues and interact with the speakers.

Evaluation

A student evaluation of the course has been completed, but the results are not yet on hand. There is also a need to track the employment success rate of graduates. This is already undertaken at a Faculty level, but requires breaking down to assess the impact of the subject . Even then, such an evaluation poses problems of analysis, not the least because of the sheer diversity in course content. Anyone who can offer feedback on the evaluation process is welcome to do so.

Contact