Call Prefix : PR-T

Call Suffix : 2021

Call Cutter : D - ExEd 48

Location : SEARCA Library

Format : TD

Publisher : University of the Philippines Los Banos

Publication Date : 2021

Publication Place : Laguna, Philippines

Summary : Universidade Nacional De Timor Leste (UNTL) takes pride in producing exemplary graduates in East Timor. This reputation gives the university a leverage in different aspects, especially in employability. Focusing on the Department of Agronomy's BSA Program, this study aims to explore 1) the various extension workers' competencies being developed after completing the program; 2) the current BSA major in agronomy program of UNTL; and 3) the strategies to improve extension workers' competencies of the university's graduates. This descriptive study utilized both quantitative and qualitative data from survey results, key informant interviews, empirical data, and complementary sources of information from UNTL BSA graduates, employers, faculty members, and directors, among others. Results showed that the graduates rated a generally positive rating on both the level of emphasis that the curriculum gives to these competencies and the level of skills they acquired during their academic years. Additionally, their employers gave an overall positive rating on the level of skills that they exhibit at extension work-related tasks. However, the comparisons done between the different ratings of the student showed gaps in the UNTL' s BSA Agronomy curriculum. Recommended strategies for UNTL, the department, and the faculty were formulated by analyzing the interviews from the administrative personnel, the observations of the researcher, and the suggestions of the survey respondents.