The Challand Horticulture Program Grows Student Minds and Expands Interests
Search For Excellence in 4-H Programming
Bruce Black
Horticulture Educator
University of Illinois Extension, Unit 4 & 2
Sterling
Team Members:
Black, B*1
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Horticulture Educator, University of Illinois Extension, Sterling, Illinois, 61081
Abstract
The Challand Horticulture Program was established to fit the needs of one of our local school districts. Mrs. Julie LeFevre, an Agriculture Teacher at Challand Middle School, needed assistance teaching horticulture in her class. During the first-year planning in 2017, Black and LeFevre used the State Standards for what horticulture topics needed to be addressed including horticulture and the horticulture industry, careers, the different sciences within horticulture, etc., leading to eight monthly visits focused on a topic. During the first year, Black used the standard Extension survey and informal check-ins with the students to measure how the program was being received and how it could be improved. The beginning goal for the first year was to build a partnership with Challand Middle School, develop a curriculum based on the topics, and engage the students in this pilot program. At the end of the first year, Black received some good feedback, to bring more hands-on labs to increase participation and learning.
From the second year to now, Black has been using a specifically designed, 18-question pre/post survey given to the students to measure their horticulture knowledge change during the school year. In the second year, Black refocused the learning objectives to:
- Students will develop an understanding of how horticulture fits into agriculture and biology.
- Students will use hands-on or learning labs to enhance their understanding.
- Horticulture careers will be included in every lesson to expand students’ exposure to potential jobs.
Black uses check-ins with students during lessons and the review to check for understanding and additional topics to engage students. Black has used this practice to evolve the program and add additional classes and labs such as climate change and decoding Valentine’s bouquets. Black and Mrs. LeFevre are continuing their partnership this fall offering the Challand Horticulture Program again.
During the last seven years, 90% ( 1073 out of 1192) of agriculture students have gained a 10-point or more knowledge increase from pre- to post-, 18-question survey with a 100% response rate.
Narrative