Student Learning Opportunities as a Component of Poinsettia Cultivar Trials

Student experiential learning opportunities and outcomes were major components of the 2008 Mid-American Poinsettia Trials conducted at Kansas State University, the University of Illinois and Virginia State University. At each location during fall 2008, students in traditionally-taught plant science and horticulture courses produced poinsettias that were part of the cultivar trials. Various aspects of poinsettia production and marketing were covered throughout the semester using lecture and lab formats. Student learning outcomes were quantified using an assessment with self-reported scores (Likert-type scale of 1 to 6 where 1=strongly disagree and 6=strongly agree) in response to a series of written statements. The same assessment instrument was given at the beginning and end of the semester. A total of 37 students across locations completed both the pre- and post-assessments. Scores showed greatest increases with regard to familiarity with poinsettia cultivars and their traits, and showed moderate increases related to crop quality traits and crop production practices. Scores increased least with regard to marketing considerations such as consumer preferences. Results suggest that experiential learning opportunities during production of a range of commercial poinsettia cultivars yielded positive learning outcomes despite the differences in teaching methods implemented among the three universities.