Agriculture Workforce Training for Collaborative Leadership (AWT4CL)

by Ben Casteel --  I have fond memories of my time as a Scout; and though I never made it to Eagle rank, I proudly wore the sash embroidered with the merit badges I earned.  When we began working on digital badging for students in our Agriculture & Natural Resources programs in conjunction with the AWT4CL project , I couldn’t help but to reminisce and draw parallels to the BSA merit badge process .  After two years of piloting the AWT4CL Digital Learning Badges , I strongly believe that there is so much more to these virtual credentials; and what better way to confirm this than by working directly with employers. As a program chair in a technical field, I am not only concerned with grades but even more so for the students employability.  It is for this reason that we meet annually with our Curriculum Advisory Committees at Virginia Highlands Community College.  The Horticulture and Natural Sciences Committee is comprised of 9 representatives (mostly owners/...

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: Curtis R. Friedel     -- Solving complex problems can be challenging, and often more complexity in the problem requires more individuals to be involved as a team. To facilitate the problem-solving process in a team, it helps to think about the different aspects of solving a problem. These include characteristics of the individual, the desired outcome from solving the problem, the situation or context of the problem, and the problem-solving process. Each of these aspects of the problem-solving are independent of each other.  To be able to better Identify and Analyze Problems , one must better understand the complexity of problems of agriculture that affect everyone from producers to consumers. Knowing what step one is in the problem-solving process, can indicate what step is next and what technique to use. If we use the right techniques throughout the problem-solving process, we can be more effective in finding solutions that offer the most benefit. More Abo...

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...

Help Your Students "Level Up" Learning: Take the Welcome Badge Tour -- Author: Jama S. Coartney     -- As educators, we’re constantly looking for ways to make learning stick—and to help learners recognize how their education connects to their futures. Digital learning badges may be able to help. This post introduces the Agriculture Workforce Training for Collaborative Leadership (AWT4CL) project Welcome Badge module . Designed with instructors and facilitators in mind, the Welcome Badge module offers a brief orientation to the AWT4CL project and digital badges. At the end of the module, there's an opportunity for you to go through the process of claiming a digital learning badge—just like your learners will need to do. How Can Digital Learning Badges Motivate Learners? Consider the success story from the Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis , where a badging system helped learners clearly connect their academic achievements with sustainable career practices. ...

Authors: Jama S. Coartney and Eric K. Kaufman     -- In today’s job market, technical know-how alone is no longer enough. Success in the workplace depends on an additional set of competencies—what employers call durable, soft, human, or employability skills. Some examples include communication, teamwork, professionalism, leadership, and decision-making. Research shows  these essential skills are often underemphasized in course design and delivery. So, how can educators close this gap and better prepare learners for success? This blog series introduces a new approach to bridging the gap between classroom learning and workforce readiness.  Digital learning badges developed by the Agriculture Workforce Training for Collaborative Leadership (AWT4CL) project can help learners build capacity. Grounded in research and aligned with employer needs, these badges target the core durable skills identified by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) a...

by Jama S. Coartney   -- This past month, Stockholm, Sweden hosted the third annual summit for the Inner Development Goals . The conference brought together global leaders in business, academia, civil society, and government interested in bridging the inner and outer transformations essential for meaningful change. The Inner Development Goals (IDGs) are a framework of personal growth and inner skills designed to help individuals create positive change in their lives, communities, and organizations. Developed as a complement to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , the IDGs focus on cultivating essential human qualities such as self-awareness, empathy, critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience. The IDGs are divided into five dimensions: Being – Self-awareness, mindfulness, and inner calm Thinking – Creativity, critical thinking, and long-term vision Relating – Empathy, active listening, and trust-building Collaborating – Courage, inclusion, and conflict...