Project Title:
Soil Science: Sustainability and Student Success
Project Director and Other Associated Faculty and Staff:
Ginny Coyle, Instructor, Century College. Contact: g.coyle@century.mnscu.edu, Telephone: (651)773-1726, ext. 2
Mel Knapton, Instructor, Century College, Contact: m.knapton@century.mnscu.edu, Telephone: (651)773-1726, ext. 1
Project Design:
Horticulture Technology program at Century College is evolving from a vocational oriented, certificate program (primarily taught in prisons) to an on-campus program with students who wish to pursue A.S. degree and then transferring to obtain B.S. degree. This project will involve updating the soil science class to integrate traditional teaching methods with technology (e.g. internet and Desire2Learn web site development) and resources, critical thinking and learning through community service/service learning.
Project Evaluation and Outcomes:
HORT 1025: Soil Science was offered Fall, 2004 and 20 students enrolled. They had planned to also include 15 high school students through PSEO program but problems with registration required these students to withdraw. This course was web-supplemented using Desire2Learn where information was provided on syllabus, power point presentations, assignments, field trips, etc. This web supplement component required faculty training and practice since it was the first time faculty used Desire2Learn software. The service learning component involved Maplewood Historical Society’s Bruentrup Farm where students made field trips and did on-site evaluation of soil conditions and planned use of a variety of plants and vegetation. Students provided a total of 159 hours of service learning in this project. Finally, the project provided resources to purchase equipment for field tests of soil conditions and to invite guest speakers. Evaluation information consisted of above description of outcomes and outputs and she did have a peer evaluation feedback from Michele Neaton.
Lessons Learned, Dissemination and Sustainability
• Use of Desire2Learn technology: Since this was the first time that instructor used this software, it took a great deal of time to learn all components. Initially, it was just used to post syllabus and PowerPoint lectures but in a Spring, 2005 course, she joined a teaching circle became more comfortable with it and provided online quizzing, and chat rooms which she plans to use in future soil science courses. In addition, she was able to participate in MnSCU CTL workshops on teaching techniques.
• Dissemination: The instructor made a presentation at the Minnesota Assoc of Environmental Educators conference in April, 2005 describing this project and this presentation led to an invitation to speak about service learning at the Advisory Board meeting of the Mn Office of Environmental Assistance. The final report has been posted on the instructor’s personal efolio site and she spoke at a Century College faculty meeting to discuss the benefits of efolios.
• Sustainability: As a result of this project, they now have curriculum in place for an “outstanding class” in soil science with update course content.
