Growing Agricultural Minds Through Early Childhood Education Module

Abstract

This study aims to develop an early childhood agricultural education module aligned with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) requirements outlined in Malaysia's National Preschool Standard-based Curriculum. The module called Little Farmer is structured into four thematic components: Introduction to Plants, Growing Our Plants, Harvest, and Marketing. Each component includes interactive and hands-on activities such, observation, role-playing, and garden exploration that relate agricultural themes to everyday life. This study involved a sample of 50 preschool and kindergarten children aged 4 to 6 years in Perak, Malaysia. Data were collected through pre- and post-intervention assessments from July until October 2024, which included structured questionnaires and observational checklists to evaluate children's knowledge, interest levels, and engagement during the activities with various types of plants such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea), water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and mustard greens (Brassica juncea). The Little Farmer module integrates STEM-based agricultural modules with structured, interactive activities in early childhood education can play an important role in fostering long-term interest in agriculture and promoting sustainable practices among children. Moreover, a significant correlation between increased knowledge and strengthened interest in agriculture following exposure to the module, underscores the positive impact of early engagement with the subject. By emphasizing the necessity for innovative curriculum development that combines STEM education with agricultural content, this study advocates for proactive strategies to encourage future generations to pursue careers in these essential fields, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable agricultural future.

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Author Information
Azlizul Abdul Rahim, FELCRA College, Malaysia
Muhammad Akhimullah Abd Halim, FELCRA College, Malaysia
Adee Aduka Putra Sobri, FELCRA College, Malaysia
Emir Azreen Roslin, FELCRA College, Malaysia

• Category: Curriculum Design & Development

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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