Montana female high school senior FFA members perception of selected barriers to participation in agricultural mechanics

Abstract

This study determined the perception 1994-95 Montana high school, senior, female FFA members have toward selected barriers to participation in agricultural mechanics activities. Data for this study were gathered through the use of a mailed questionnaire. Information received from the survey was statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Based on the results of this study, a majority of students perceived their agriculture instructor and family as being supportive of their studying agricultural mechanics. Students who did not study any curricula in agricultural mechanics perceived little support from family, friends, agriculture instructors, or school counselors. Although a majority of students had studied some agricultural mechanics curricula, involvement outside the classroom was less frequent. In addition, many students felt their parents worked in agricultural mechanics careers and had been encouraged by both parents to help with mechanics jobs at home. Students believed they would not enjoy a traditional female career and had positive perceptions of their ability to learn and perform agricultural mechanics skills, but did not perceive agricultural mechanics as a potential career. Finally, nearly half of the students had been verbally teased by male students during agricultural mechanics activities.