An Analysis of the Expected Outcomes of Internship Course in Agricultural Education: A Case Study of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

This research was carried out with the aim of analyzing the expected outcomes of internship course in Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The research was carried out through a survey method. The statistical population of the study consisted of all agricultural students of the Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources involved during the academic year 2008-2009 who had participated and passed the internship course (N=378) while the samle (n=123) was determinated through Cochran's formula. The sample was selected through Stratified Sample Technique. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of agricultural education experts and faculty members. Calculated Coronbach's Alpha coefficient as an indication of the questionnaire’s reliability was found as equal to .81 and .77 for the two main parts of questionnaire. Using SPSS and EXCEL softwares, the gathered data was analyzed. Based upon the coefficient of variation the internship's outcomes were prioritized. The findings revealed that the total internship's outcome according to most respondents (65%) stood at medium level. The results of a compareison of means with t-test indicated that there was a significant difference observed between internship's outcome of respondents with regard to thier educational level (B. S. and postgraduate levels and particiapation in pre-cource preparatory session. According to factor analysis, the internship's outcomes were placed in 3 concluding factors that totally explained 71% of the total variance. These factors were counted as "educational and learning outcomes", "career and professional development's outcomes", and "personal development's outcomes".