Covid has greatly impacted the learning style of the college student population. The Covid generation experienced limited in person student and teacher contact and in some cases incompletion of high school requirements. In addition, isolation among other things has caused a rise in student depression and anxiety. Higher ed educators must face the challenge of teaching and facilitating this generation of students by cultivating a learning environment that allows them to thrive. Many universities have professionals focusing on teaching a new generation of learners. The proposed professional interest group session will focus on tools for students learning, strategies for helping students learn hard content, and relevance of the teaching methods used for teaching Horticulture related topics.
The session will open with an overview of the current climate of learning and teaching different generations and the key difference from Carl Krieger, Director, Residential Education Vice Provost for Student Life, Purdue University followed by a presentation from Sam Wortman, Associate Professor UNL his talk titled ‘Market-based competitions for developing horticultural entrepreneurs and innovators’ will cover how Authentic performance tasks are an important tool for engaging students in higher-order thinking. Dr. Wortman has developed several market-based competitions as authentic performance tasks for horticulture students at the University of Nebraska where they identify a market opportunity, develop a budget, grow or develop the product, and market the product to customers or investors at simulated plant sales, farmer's markets, and pitch competitions. In this presentation, Dr. Wortman will share details of how each competition is structured and evidence for their effectiveness in preparing the next generation of local food system entrepreneurs and innovators. A round table discussion will follow the presentations and facilitate the discussion of techniques, practices, and experiences of horticulture educators in attendance.
Round table topics will include:
1. Methodology and measuring impact
2. Empathetic teaching
3. Hands on or experiential learning
Moderator:
Dr. Moriah Bilenky, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Horticulture
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Purdue University
Speakers:
- Carl Krieger, Director, Residential Education Vice Provost for Student Life
- Sam Wortman, Associate Professor UNL
