Agriculture Workforce Training for Collaborative Leadership (AWT4CL)

Author: Eric K. Kaufman     -- As America’s workforce changes, so does the nature of the work and skills necessary for success. “We know that some skills are more lasting. Skills like leadership, collaboration and communication are usually described as soft skills, but they should be referred to as durable skills” ( Auger, 2019, para 4 ). Of critical importance to agriculture’s workforce, “employees who have the underlying durable skills can be taught and retaught job skills more easily as needs, jobs, and careers change over time” ( D2L, 2019, p. 4 ).  Toward this end, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) identified 11 employability skills that are most important to stakeholders yet typically have the largest gaps in terms of readiness ( Crawford & Fink, 2020 ). Moreover, areas of rising concern include "new employees’ ability to navigate persistence, ambiguity, change, and conflict in the workplace" ( Crawford & Fink, 2020, p. 2 ). D...

Author: Celeste Carmichael     -- In a world that demands adaptability and creative problem-solving, the Transfer Knowledge from One Situation to Another Badge (Badge 06) recognizes a learner’s ability to apply knowledge and experiences to new, often complex contexts. This badge showcases critical reflection and demonstrates how mastery in one area can fuel success in another. Why Knowledge Transfer Matters in Agriculture Transferring knowledge is essential in fields like agriculture. For instance, a farmer adopting pest management techniques from one crop to another can improve sustainability and address challenges posed by changing climates. For instructors, this badge emphasizes the value of problem-solving and innovation, encouraging students to connect learning across disciplines and real-world situations. What is the Transfer Knowledge Badge? Earning a Transfer Knowledge badge recognizes learners who can connect learning across contexts - from classroom to work, l...

Author: Jama S. Coartney     -- In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to communicate effectively is more than just a useful skill—it's essential for professional success. Whether talking to a farmer, consulting with an extension agent, or discussing agricultural regulations, communication skills play a crucial role. The badge Communicate Effectively—also known as "Communicate Accurately and Concisely"—highlights a key skill that helps learners develop. Improving this skill will help to build the capability to share information clearly and meaningfully. Why Does Effective Communication Matter in Agriculture? Communication is particularly important in agriculture, where people often engage with a variety of stakeholders.  Agricultural work frequently requires collaboration across multiple areas of expertise. Clear communication becomes essential for smooth, productive interactions. Digital learning badges are a tool that can help integrate learning into the curricul...