2019 ASHS Annual Conference

The North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook Teacher’s Guide features a “flipped classroom” model and is based on surveys of successful state programs and NC extension agents. The Teacher’s guide contains: pre-homework, an intro PowerPoint to run before class while students are assembling, featuring reviews of previous sessions, teasers for current session, and thought-provoking facts, quiz questions and quotes; a PowerPoint presentation and script; supply list and directions for each interactive station; quiz, homework and field trip suggestions. Students are asked to read the chapter ahead of time and come to class for a brief review of key points before rotating through 6 interactive stations. Each station focuses on a separate objective offering opportunities to experiment, observe, organize and synthesize information through hands-on, role play, and interactive activities and labs that drive home the objectives of each chapter. This replaces the traditional 3-hour power point lecture. The facilitator's guide is full of customizable materials that help instructors easily create a tailored course. This is especially helpful to new agents or those just starting an Extension Master Gardener program in their county as well as public gardens, colleges, nurseries, and prisons that have horticulture training programs and need quality, research-based training materials.