Importance of teaching agriculture to secondary students

By: aURelio D. FanCUbila,

T-II

In some parts of the Philippines, food security has been a major issue. It is unclear if the country is experiencing a production shortfall or a form of social disintegration. Many definitions have been proposed, but the most widely accepted is that individuals have physical, social, and economic access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food that fits their dietary needs and food choices at all times in order to live an active and healthy life.

Agriculture is being taught to most secondary students. Many educational facilities have prioritized different agricultural activities to most students because many of them believe that the more students learn about agriculture, then the problems regarding food shortages will be solved eventually.

Agricultural teaching approaches have been operationally described as the procedures or ways of attention to agricultural students’ needs, experiences, and feelings both conceptually and practically, and intervening as needed to help them acquire important skills for food security. Lectures, class discussions, demonstrations, class experiments, problem solving, and tours and field trips are all common teaching methods in secondary schools in our country.

Even at a young age, secondary school agricultural education broadens students’ potential and makes them more effective, self-reliant, resourceful, and capable of addressing farming difficulties. Many studies show that if gained skills are correctly translated into the actual world, knowledge may considerably boost agricultural output and provide food security for the family.

Students may participate in hands-on learning in school gardens that teaches not only the intended topic but also responsibility, collaboration, and respect for the environment, as well as encouraging healthy eating habits and appreciation for locally grown food sources.( Contributed article)