Upper Bucks AVTS, Robert Barlett, Asst. Director … We use a unique system in the Agriscience Department. Our students buy their grades! We have found a way to increase student responsibility and accountability that is fun. We have foremen, crew chief, laborers, time cards, incentive pay, weekend and holiday pay, and the like. Sound familiar? Yes…this is a game of life. It has resulted in improved employability skills and highly motivated students.
In vocational education, we are always hearing from industry that we must send them students with high quality employability skills. Industry emphasizes communication skills, being able to follow instructions, being prepared, being on time, and being able to work with a group. Employees with these qualities succeed and advance. In the Agriscience program, we wanted to better prepare our students in the above mentioned areas.
Within the Agriscience shop we have developed a system where each marking period a student is assigned a job title and wage either in our small animal facility or at the large animal facility. Each job title has a specific job description and set of responsibilities. The higher the wage, the more responsibilities the position demands. The student is paid in 'Ag paychecks' at the end of every week. The student has the opportunity to 'work' extra hours and earn incentive pay. The students use their accumulated 'money' to 'buy' their practical grade at the end of each marking period. All students are evaluated by their 'co-workers' or peers at the end of each marking period, which determines their 'raise' in hourly wage for the next marking period.
The Agriscience students not only enjoy this system but they are learning a tremendous amount. They learn what it takes to be a good worker. They are learning how to write checks, calculate wages, keep records and budget their time. They are learning how absences affect their work performance and how they can 'make-up' work to prevent this from occurring. They are learning the importance of a 'chain of command' and how to function successfully within such a system.
Group communication skills become vital from designating jobs, treating people with respect, to recording daily activities and keeping livestock records. T hey are not 'paid' if they are not prepared, and if they consistently fail to complete their job as described they will suffer 'docked' pay and possibly a demotion. This system allows for those that work hard and self-sufficiently to be recognized for their efforts and advance, while those that are satisfied to just 'get-by' experience little recognition and advancement. The fact that we are a vocational program and we have a substantial animal facility, this system works quite well in preparing the students for the jobs of their tomorrow. They not only get the opportunity to 'learn to earn,' but they also get the opportunity to 'learn by doing.'
For additional information about this classroom management program, contact Robert Barlett at 215-795-2911 (Ph) or 215-795-0530 (Fax).