The Benefits of Integrating Service Teaching and Learning Techniques Into the Undergraduate Horticulture Curriculum

Service learning is a technique in which instructors integrate community service into their semester curriculum in order to enhance the learning experience.  Universities often promote the use of service learning techniques since it can lead to better community relations.  Instructors expound on the benefits of using service learning which include improved hands-on learning, a chance for students to experience ‘real-life learning experiences,’ opportunities for students to learn civic responsibility, and students experiencing the benefits of community involvement.  Additionally, service learning teaching strategies naturally fit into teaching horticulture and landscape design, since hands-on laboratories are often integrated into the curriculum.  However, the benefits of service teaching and learning in horticulture classes have not been evaluated in research. For this study, students in an undergraduate Landscape Design class were taught the process of landscape design using service learning activities within the community.  Projects included developing designs for a campus garden, the city post office, a neighborhood park, the campus childcare center, a city median area and the city women’s shelter.  A survey tool was developed from other existing surveys to measure how students felt about service learning as a means to learn skills in class, as well as how they felt about volunteering and community service in general.  The survey was formatted as a retrospective reflective instrument in order to evaluate students’ feelings before they were participating in the class, and how they felt afterwards.  Currently enrolled students were surveyed, as well alumni from 5 classes of students taught in previous years in a similar manner.  Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS.  Results from the study will help educators observe the value of integrating service learning teaching and learning strategies into the curriculum.