Examining Agricultural Teachers' TPACK Competencies: A Study of Demographic Influences in the Philippines

Abstract

Introduction: Preparation of students for modern agricultural demands in developing regions is a challenge for agricultural education, especially in integrating technological knowledge and effective teaching strategies. The critical need for comprehensive research on teachers' instructional capabilities regarding the agricultural literacy is emphasized by persistent low levels of agricultural literacy among most teachers. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between teachers' demographic characteristics and their technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) domains among agriculture teachers in the Division of Camarines Sur, Philippines. Methods: A descriptive correlational research design using a mixed methods approach was used. The study included 20 public school teachers who taught agricultural crop production programs. Demographic questionnaires, TPACK assessment instruments, and agricultural literacy assessments were used as data collection instruments. The collected data was analyzed using multiple linear regression, and Pearson correlation. Results: The results showed that there were different levels of knowledge in TPACK domains. The most proficient (Mean = 3.55) was technological knowledge, followed by pedagogical knowledge (Mean = 3.52) and content knowledge (Mean = 3.28). There were significant negative correlations between years of teaching experience and technological knowledge, which prove that younger teachers are more knowledgeable about technologies. Conclusion: Research focuses on the interplay between demographics and TPACK in agricultural education, and suggests targeted professional development programs, technology integration initiatives and hands on learning experience. The results show that teachers’ TPACK can be improved through continuous professional development and innovative pedagogical approaches, which in turn will improve students’ agricultural literacy and prepare them for the challenges of contemporary agriculture.