Factors due to the Low Level of Basic Agricultural Knowledge among the Agricultural Students at University of Zanjan

Purpose of this study was measuring student's basic agriculture knowledge at the University of Zanjan. Survey method was implemented in this applied research. The statistical population consisted of all the students at College of Agriculture, University of Zanjan in 2012-2013 academic years (N= 709). The sample size was estimated using Cochran's formula (n=109). Samples were selected applying stratified random method. The research tool was a questionnaire. Validity of the instrument confirmed by a panel of agricultural faculty members and information science experts. To determine the reliability of the questionnaire, theta reliability coefficient was calculated (θ= 0.79). Results showed that the mean rank of basic agriculture knowledge score of respondents was 10.33 on a scale of 0-20. There was significant difference between the level of agriculture basic knowledge of students with different major in high school as well as type of undergraduate university degree. Using exploratory factor analysis of reasons for lowness of basic knowledge summarized them into nine factors including: negative attitude the field of agriculture and unsuitable training, unhealthy environment science and trivial general information of agricultural on university, the low level of general knowledge faculty, lack of appropriate curriculum, trivial faculty in public agriculture, lack of basic agriculture courses, Negative mentality about agricultural, weak relationship between university with the agricultural environment, poor student motivation and Lacking awareness of academic disciplines before entering the university. These factors explained 67.04% of reasons for lowness of general knowledge of agriculture among the students.