- Next course: March 26 - May 3, 2012
- Cost: $400
- If you are a Cornell Cooperative Extension educator or volunteer, you may be eligible for a discount. Contact Donna Alese Cooke dmc72@cornell.edu for more information before registering.
- Enrollment limited to 20 students.
- Instructor: Donna Alese Cooke
- Questions or to be notified of next course: email Donna Alese Cooke dmc72@cornell.edu
- View full course syllabus
- Register now | Registration details
Description:
Focusing on the foundations, benefits, and teaching strategies of garden-based learning (GBL), participants will build a toolbox of resources for developing a school gardening program that meets cross-curricular needs. Case study, research, and GBL resources are evaluated through group discussion, learning activities, and reflective journals. Educational theory will be put into practice using real-world tools, through collaboration, practicum, small and whole group discussion, lesson plan assignments, and the final portfolio project.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course you will:
- Understand the foundations of garden based learning and its benefits.
- Explore available resources, case studies, research, and identify successful school gardening programs.
- Identify strategies to put garden based learning theory into practice.
- Identify cross-curricular connections, teaching strategies, and identify challenges for curriculum integration.
- Develop project-based lessons that fulfill educational goals, focusing on garden-based learning principles and learner-centered assessment.
- Compile a portfolio of multi-disciplinary units to use in the classroom or youth program.
- Collaborate to build a community of learners and connect with others.
- Utilize various technology for teaching and learning within a distance-learning online course.
Course Philosophy:
This course is designed to enhance the practice of garden-based learning in our schools; to promote the integration school gardening into the curriculum though a constructivist, project and place-based learning approach; and to encourage a network of state and nation-wide educators and volunteers who will learn and grow together. This course does not focus on the science of horticulture or aspects of gardening, however, the practicum garden-based learning activities provide context to garden-based learning theories.
Our approach:
This course focuses on the foundations and teaching strategies of garden-based learning (GBL), and provides the tools and resources that classroom teachers and extension educators need to develop school gardening programs that are easily integrated into their school curriculum or youth program. By the end of this course, you will become a more confident and knowledgeable garden-based learning educator and program planner, and you will connect with and learn from others with the same purpose.
Course Timetable at a Glance
- Week 1: Course Introductions
- Week 2: Foundations of GBL and Benefits of School Gardening
- Week 3: Developing a School GBL Program that Works
- Week 4: School Gardening and Project-based Learning
- Week 5: Educational Theory into Practice: Integrating GBL into all Content Areas
- Week 6: Authentic Assessment of Garden Based Learning