Experiential Learning Enhances Student Knowledge Retention in the Plant Sciences
| Autor: | Travis D. Park, Taryn L. Bauerle |
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| Rok vydání: | 2012 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | HortTechnology. 22:715-718 |
| ISSN: | 1943-7714 1063-0198 |
| DOI: | 10.21273/horttech.22.5.715 |
| Popis: | Experiential learning can be an important part of an undergraduate curriculum in the sciences. A new course, The Nature of Plants, was developed to provide students across a broad range of majors with an in-depth study of plant science both basic and applied. The course was enriched by using a local natural area as an informal learning environment. We examined whether experiential learning improved homework scores among students who participated in a field trip by asking if simply attending the field trip increased the homework score or if participation in the tree climbing exercise had any additional benefit. Our results show participating in a field trip experience when coupled with a homework assignment increased student homework scores. Moreover, the tree climbing portion of the field trip increased homework scores particularly for students not in a science major. This research supports experiential learning and the value of field trips within science courses focused on a comprehensive exploration of plants. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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