This investigation addresses the use of the delphi technique in agricultural education research from I984 to the present. Delphi has been used steadily in the discipline over the course of that time with the exception of an activity peak in 1991-1993. Its most frequent application is in the area of curriculum planning. Delphi appears to be a unique alternative to tie more traditional kinds of evaluation and survey work and will likely see continued use in the future of agriucultural education research. However, there are some indications that the validity of the technique, relative to its use in agricultural education, should be tie focus of additional study. The delphi technique refers to a methodology developed at The Rand Corporation in the late 1940’s designed to elicit expert opinion in a systematic manner (Sackman, 1974). Delphi’s initial application was in the area of technological forecasting. The subsequent two decades saw the use of delphi expand into investigations of the fields

Educational reform measures have forced schools to form partnerships with business and industry to achieve common goals of a prepared workforce. These partnerships have forced colleges of agriculture to examine its mission and update the curriculum. This study sought to provide benchmark data from employers on the skills and abilities deemed important and the level of preparation of recent agricultural and extension education graduates. Additional input was sought on the life experiences that were important for entry-level positions and the areas that would impact graduates in the future. Overall, graduates were prepared for entry-level positions; however, several areas were identified where skills could be improved to match the expectations of the employers. The area of interpersonal skills was found to be the area where improvements were needed overall. The skills of teamwork, decision-making, leadership, and initiative were identified needing the greatest improvement. The access and use of the Internet was the most important computer skills while presentation skills and verbalizing needed to improve in the communications skill area. Employers rated honesty, integrity, and dependability as very important abilities

I must acknowledge Him and those that have encouraged me along the way. This dissertation comes as a result of many whom have invested in me and supported my educational pursuits. I would like to express my sincere thanks to my graduate committee. You have provided the compass that has helped me through the process of “eating the elephant, one bite at a time.” Dr. Ed Harris, thank you for providing an external perspective to my work. Your suggestions were timely and relevant. Your ability to see beyond the moment will help move my work forward in the future. Dr. Key, thank you for providing me the opportunity to be fully engaged in the process. Allowing me to focus on my dissertation without worrying about my other responsibilities was more helpful than you know. Dr. James Leising, thank you for providing me the opportunity to work at this level. You saw something in me that you were willing to invest in and I appreciate that very much. The mentorship that you have provided me is priceless, I would not have accomplished this