Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Abstract
Purpose of this study was measuring students' basic agriculture knowledge at the University of Zanjan.
Survey method was implemented in this applied research. The statistical population consisted of all
the students at College of Agriculture, University of Zanjan in 2012-2013 academic years (N= 709). The
sample size was estimated using Cochran's formula (n=109). Samples were selected applying stratified
random method. The research tool was a questionnaire. Validity of the instrument confirmed by a panel
of agricultural faculty members and information science experts. To determine the reliability of the
questionnaire, theta reliability coefficient was calculated (θ= 0.79). Results showed that the mean rank
of basic agriculture knowledge score of respondents was 10.33 on a scale of 0-20. There was significant
difference between the level of agriculture basic knowledge of students with different major in high
school as well as type of undergraduate university degree. Using exploratory factor analysis of reasons
for lowness of basic knowledge summarized them into nine factors including: negative attitude the field
of agriculture and unsuitable training, unhealthy environment science and trivial general information
of agricultural on university, the low level of general knowledge faculty, lack of appropriate curriculum,
trivial faculty in public agriculture, lack of basic agriculture courses, Negative mentality about agricultural,
weak relationship between university with the agricultural environment, poor student motivation
and Lacking awareness of academic disciplines before entering the university. These factors explained
67.04% of reasons for lowness of general knowledge of agriculture among the students
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