570 Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Non-majors Survey Course

Abstract

Attracting new students into traditional agriculture programs has become increasingly difficult. The idea of offering a course as a means for introducing students to agriculture is a concept with popular appeal. As a recruiting effort, and as a method of introducing students to horticulture, the Environmental Horticulture Dept. at the Univ. of Florida designed a one-credit course for non-majors. The course was structured such that a broad understanding of horticulture, including production, landscaping, and floriculture, would be emphasized. The intent was to develop a course somewhat similar to an entry-level course, but incorporating a more enjoyable, practical, hands-on approach. ORH 1030 Plants, Gardens, and You was offered for the first time in summer 1997. It is now offered every semester. The course has one faculty assigned each semester and various other faculty members, including teaching, research, and extension specialists who participate as “guest lecturers”. Student response to ORH 1030 has been favorable, ratings are high and enrollment in the course has continued to rise from 30 to our current cap of 100. As a means of ensuring that we are meeting the needs of our students and to aid in targeting potential students, a survey was administered in Spring 2000. Students enrolled in the course were surveyed at the beginning and the end of the semester to gain insight into student demographics, horticulture background and experience, reasons for enrollment in the class, attitude toward horticulture and overall interest in horticulture. Findings will be discussed in addition to information and suggestions for successfully establishing a similar course in other horticulture departments.