Barriers and Solutions to Recruitment Strategies of Students into Post-Secondary Agricultural Education Programs: A Focus Group Approach

Abstract

This qualitative study utilized focus group interviews of secondary Illinois agricultural education teachers to investigate the continuing problem of student recruitment into teacher preparation pro- grams of agricultural education. Using signal theory, image theory and person-organization fit theory, the researchers identified five themes relating to recruitment issues: time, the economy, family, technology and image. Each theme is described through the words of the participants and solutions are suggested for improving recruitment.