An Investigation of Students' Attitudes toward Outcomes of Internship Courses in the Agricultural Faculty, Tehran University

This research was done with the aim of investigating attitudes of agricultural students toward outcomes of internship (training) courses. Methodologically, the research was carried out through a survey method. The population of the study consisted of all agricultural students of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Collages, University of Tehran who took their training (internship) course during 2004-2005 academic year (N=150). Census method was employed to collect data through a researcher-developed questionnaire. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by agricultural extension and education faculty members of the University of Tehran. Calculated Coronbach Alpha coefficient as an indication of questionnaire’s reliability was found equal to 0.82. Using SPSS software, gathered data was analyzed. Findings of the research indicated significant differences among students with regard to their attitudes toward outcomes of internship (training) courses as by groping of variables, including gender of students, relationship between students and in charge educator during the internship (training) course, attendance in pre-course orientation session, selection of internship’s location, as well as student’s major. Also, research findings, showed a significant correlation among attitudes of agricultural students toward outcomes of internship courses as well as some independent variables, such as importance given to internship course by personnel in charge, application of ideas and lessons learned by students during the internship course, engagement of students in practical and professional affairs during the course, relationship between training practices and university lessons taken by students, student’s satisfaction as related to the internship (training) course, regular attendance of students in the course, fitness of internship course with student’s major, possibility of voluntary selection of training options by students, possibility of using related prevailing tools and equipments by students during the internship (training) course.