informed decisions about future extension program development. Some causes are likely curriculum based and others are likely based on the nature of online asynchronous programming. With the online program, the program coordinator had complete control of the
restrict motor skill development in children. Pergams and Zaradic (2006 ) define their new term videophilia, as “the new human tendency to focus on sedentary activities involving electronic media.” Youth motor skills previously developed through outdoor
included in an undergraduate sustainable agriculture major ( Parr et al., 2007 ). Using the guiding principles of this technique, the authors anonymously gathered the options of sustainable agriculture curriculum experts through a series of structured
curriculum development and a framework for assessment of student learning ( Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2010 ). Learning outcomes are usually developed for specific institutions based on available resources, current personnel, and the
universities ( McPherson, 2001 ). To help fulfill this part of their mission, many institutions of higher education include some form of an international perspectives requirement as part of their undergraduate curriculum ( Crunkilton et al., 2003 ). One of Iowa
The interest, use, and recognized benefits of gardens as educational tools for youth has increased in recent decades and has prompted the development of garden-based curricula for use in schools. Iowa State University Extension developed Growing in the Garden (GITG), a curriculum designed for use in kindergarten through third grade classrooms. This study examined the impact of the GITG curriculum on the awareness and interest of first graders in the areas of science, nutrition, and the environment. A survey was used to determine parental perceptions of their child's interest and awareness after experiencing three lessons from the GITG curriculum. Forty-seven parents (60.2% response rate) of first graders from four classrooms in Iowa completed the survey. A significant number of parents surveyed noted an increased awareness and interest of their children in the areas of science and the environment. Factors such as socio-economic status, ethnicity, and gender did not influence the outcomes.
School gardens show promise as a tool for developing science process skills through real-world investigations. However, little research data exist attesting to their actual effectiveness in enhancing students' science achievement. The purpose of this study was to develop three cognitive test instruments for assessing science achievement gain of third, fourth, and fifth grade students using a garden curriculum. The development of the test instruments occurred in three phases: 1) an initial set of test instruments which served as a prototype for length, scope, and format; 2) an adapted set of test instruments which were piloted; and 3) a final set of test instruments which were used for the assessment of the school gardening curriculum. The final Cronbach's alpha reliability for the final set of test questions was 0.82, indicating an acceptable level of internal consistency. Content validity of the test instruments developed for this study was established based on the science content standards specified in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for each grade level along with the gardening curriculum, as well as the Science Scope and Sequence documents for Temple, Texas Independent School District (ISD). Construct validity was established for the testing instruments by soliciting help from various curriculum experts from the Temple ISD.
needed for students to be successful. Competencies have been used in curriculum evaluation and reform to measure learning and to keep academic entities accountable for the growth of that learning. Many undergraduate majors have defined competencies
Curriculum revision for science-oriented degrees can be based on input from research journals and discipline-oriented society meetings, but the professional nature of a landscape horticulture degree requires more detailed industry input. The curriculum revision at the Univ. of Delaware started with discussions amongst faculty who were concerned with the current plant science curriculum. A mail survey of alumni from 1984 to 1993 and employers of Univ. of Delaware Plant and Soil Sciences Dept. graduates was conducted in 1994. Survey results were evaluated and incorporated into the development of two curricula: plant biology and landscape horticulture. Focus groups were used to seek industry input for the landscape horticulture curriculum. Two focus groups—established professionals in the landscape horticulture industry and recent graduates from the Plant and Soil Sciences Dept. with landscape horticulture positions—were convened in December 1995. Focus group members received a packet of information about the department including the proposed curricula prior to the meeting. A group of faculty presented information about departmental facilities, faculty, academic opportunities and practical experiences and accomplishments. The previous survey results and proposed curricula were reviewed. A professional facilitator, using a moderator's guide prepared by faculty members, led each focus group discussion. Tapes from each discussion were transcribed and summarized. Original transcriptions and executive summaries were distributed to focus group participants and faculty. Suggestions from focus group participants were incorporated into the final curriculum. Problems associated with the focus group technique include a reluctance of faculty to accept outside opinions, a reluctance to publicly air departmental concerns, and the cost associated with a professional facilitator and rented facilities. However, the focus group technique provided significant feedback in a short period of time and helped build liaisons with industry constituents by including them in the process. Several focus group participants will be invited to join an advisory council for the department.
Development of a new children's horticulture curriculum, the Junior Master Gardener program, from Texas A&M Univ. has lead to several youth projects in Minnesota. In Chisago County, Minn., Master Gardeners have instructed 4-H leaders who taught weekly sessions to elementary age children. Older teens have been leaders in this project as well. In Hennepin County, Minn., the program has been used by teachers and Master Gardeners in a formal classroom setting. Additional programs in Anoka, Rice, Winona, and Washington Counties, Minn., have used this curriculum. Leaders say the strengths of the program are the extensive and detailed list of projects, the impact on the local community when children do the service component, and children's learning of the scientific concepts that are the basis of the program. Cost of the materials and distribution are negative features. Further program examples will be highlighted and detailed at this workshop.