Early Field Based Experience (EFE) Dr. Sorrel Brown 101 Curtiss Hall 294-8802
At Iowa State University, learning related to career preparation can occur outside the classroom. AgEdS offers such opportunities in early field-based experiences (EFE) and internships. Internships can last from a few weeks to 9 months depending on arrangements made between student and employer.
An EFE or internship are great ways for both employer
and student to learn more about each other in a work environment. An
internship on your resume signals to a prospective employer that you
have had exposure in a work setting. Each year, more and more companies
hire employees from their internship pool because of this kind of experience.
Every student in the AgEdS Department is encouraged to participate
in at least one internship. Students who are not involved in an internship
experience while at ISU are missing a great opportunity AND an advantage
in job seeking. Internships and EFEs focus on the student's learning
experience, not their work experience.
Following are descriptions of department courses involving field-based experiences
(EFE). Students earn credit based on documentation and reflection of
their learning experiences. Students do not receive credit
for work experience; your grade is based on the portfolio you are required
to turn in following your EFE. Criteria for the portfolio can be found
at http://www.ageds.iastate.edu/undergrad.htm.
AgEdS 211: Early Field-Based Experience
(1-0)
Cr. 1 each time course is taken; maximum of 3 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq:
110.
Five days (5) on-site in an agricultural setting observing competencies
and issues in:
When students register, it is their responsibility to
make an appointment with the Supervisor of Internship Programs very
early in the semester to plan their EFE.
AgEdS 412. Internship in Agricultural Education and Studies
Cr.
2 to 6 each time taken; maximum of 6 credits; 2 to 12 weeks. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 211, permission of instructor. A supervised
learning experience
in an approved learning setting with application to educational,
agricultural and/or environmental practices and principles. Non-major
graduate credit.
AgEdS 418. Supervised Extension Experience Cr. 2 to 8; may be repeated to a maximum of 16 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq:
211, permission of instructor. Supervised professional experience
in an approved county, area or state Cooperative Extension Service
office. Non-major graduate credit.
AGEDS 211
AgEdS 211 is required and must be completed before any student
is allowed to participate in AgEdS 412/418 and AgEdS 416/417. Therefore,
plan
accordingly.
Tips and hints for an enjoyable and successful AgEdS 211
EFE
AgEdS 211 is not a work experience. In the AgEdS Department,
EFE programs are planned, developed, and evaluated as they relate to
academic
programs.
The course’s purpose is to provide career guidance, role modeling,
and reference points for students to apply to their courses and
other
educational experiences.
Be sure to sign up for the appropriate section of AgEdS 211. This is especially
important to Ag Ed Certification majors so that it can later be
verified that you had an EFE for teacher licensing.
It is your responsibility to meet with Dr. Brown a minimum of two weeks prior to midterms to begin the EFE process. Without any communication prior to that time, Dr. Brown will be forced to send you an “F” at mid-term.
You will not be contacted. You must take the initiative
and contact Dr. Brown. This is part of the learning experience associated
with AgEdS 211.
AgEdS 211 can be taken up to 3 times in different settings. This allows students
plenty of opportunities to get broad exposure in various work settings.
This course is NOT for any work experience that you have already had. It is an
applied academic course and involves several planned observations and
special assignments.
AgEdS 211 is a prerequisite for all other departmental internships including student teaching.
AgEdS 211 can be completed at anytime throughout the year. A common misperception is that it can only be done during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or semester breaks. THIS IS NOT TRUE.
With the appropriate planning, communication, and assistance from Dr. Brown, students should complete their EFE when the work site will provide them with the richest learning experience.
All questions and inquiries should be directed to Dr.
Brown. Your academic advisor is familiar with the EFE process. Dr.
Brown coordinats these experiences and can provide the most detailed
information.
Internship in Agricultural Education and Studies (AgEdS
412/418)*
Internships in AgEdS are not work experiences. In the
AgEdS Department, these programs are planned, developed, and evaluated
as they relate
to
academic
programs. The courses’ purpose is to provide career guidance, role
modeling, and reference points for students to apply to their courses
and other educational experiences.
Internships offer you opportunities to further develop
(and practice) problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, initiative
taking, leadership, listening,
creativity, critical thinking, verbal, and written communication skills
you have already begun to develop through your course work and involvement
in academic clubs.
You need to meet with Dr. Sorrel Brown in early September
to begin developing a plan and to be prepared for Ag Career Day, which
is held on campus
each fall. It is your responsibility to make the initial contact with
Dr. Brown to get the “ball rolling.”
Prior to accepting an specific internship, please meet
with Dr. Brown to ensure it is the most valuable experience for you.
Please notify Dr. Brown as soon as you have accepted an internship so the appropriate
communication process can begin between the AgEdS Department, the employer and your work site supervisor. A minimum of a month is required.
For those degrees where an internship is required and the student is planning to graduate, four weeks between the end of the internship and graduation is needed: two weeks to complete and turn in the material and two weeks for it to be graded.
*Dr. Levon Esters is the coordinator of the higher-level
Teacher Certification experiences.
They include:
AgEdS 416. Pre-Student Teaching Experience in Agricultural
Education Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: 211, 402 and admission to teacher education
program. A one-week field-based experience in an approved secondary
agricultural education program. Concurrent enrollment in 417 is required.
Non-major graduate credit.
AgEdS 417. Supervised Teaching in Agricultural Education
Programs Cr. 12. F.S. Prereq: 211, 402 and admission to teacher
education program. Supervised teaching in public schools. Non-major
graduate credit.
NOTE: EFE (AgEdS 211) is still required prior to taking AgEdS 416
and 417.
