The Use of Creative Nonfiction in a Floriculture Production Course to Introduce Concepts of Plant Conservation, Industry Internationalism, and Consumer Motivations for Plant Purchases

The need exists to make horticultural science content more socially and culturally relevant. Students can be introduced to topics such as plant conservation, industry internationalism, and consumer motivations for plant purchases through a wealth of popular literature about horticulture. During Spring 2009, 2011, and 2013 semesters, students enrolled in the lab-based course HORT 625 Floral Crops Production and Handling (2-credits) at Kansas State University were given a reading, reflection, and discussion assignment about the book Orchid Fever, which relates a factual but entertaining account of the international orchid industry.  A pre- and post-assignment survey was administered to students to evaluate their changes in perceptions because of the assignment.  Student gains for all assessment items were highly significant, suggesting that the assignment was successful at introducing the intended concepts grounded in social science.  Specifically, students indicated familiarity with international laws that govern plant commerce, developed an opinion about plant conservation, learned how the same plant is used differentially across cultures, and understood motivations that drive consumers to purchase ornamental plants.  In addition, students strongly indicated that the in-class discussion was a critical part of the assignment, that the assignment was more interesting than they had initially thought it would be, and that the assignment should be included in future offerings of the course.