Agroecosystems Analysis from the Grass Roots: A Multidimensional Experiential Learning Course

Authors

Mary Wiedenhoeft, Iowa State UniversityFollow
Steve Simmons, University of Minnesota
Ricardo Salvador, Iowa State University
Gina McAndrews, Iowa State University
Charles A. Francis, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
James W. King, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
David Hole, Utah State University

Date of this Version

4-9-2003

Citation

Journal of Natural Resources and Life Science Education (2003) 32: 73–79

Comments

Copyright © 2003 American Society of Agronomy. Used by permission.

At the request of the American Society of Agronomy, full text of this paper is not archived here; a copy may be accessed from the Society’s site at: http://www.jnrlse.org/pdf/2003/E02-09.pdf

Abstract

An intensive, experiential travel course in Agroecosystems Analysis was conducted in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska (United States) during summers of 1998 and 1999. The intended student audience was advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students. Pretravel readings and a week-long series of farm visits, which consisted of in-depth interviews with the farmers and their families, prepared student teams to analyze and evaluate the production, economic, environmental, and social sustainability of 10 farms. Students shared their analyses both orally and in written reports. Based on a multifaceted student evaluation process, we found that participants were highly motivated, strongly engaged with the course content and learning activities, and committed to learn from the interviews and group learning processes. They reported that this multidimensional learning experience was more valuable than other traditional courses at their home campuses. Faculty learned how to: (i) allow students the opportunity to assist in developing the learning environment and community; (ii) design an optimum travel schedule to permit adequate time for individual reflection and group process; (iii) deal with challenges in the small group setting; and (iv) design a useful multi-phased learning evaluation process. Based on this experience, faculty in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska are highly motivated to continue this course and expand the opportunities for experiential learning.