The Use of Video to Evaluate On-Farm Demonstrations as a Tactile Space for Learning

Hanne Cooreman,Lies Debruyne,Fleur Marchand,Joke Vandenabeele

doi:10.3390/su12114342

Hanne Cooreman, Lies Debruyne + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114342

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Abstract

Tactile spaces as learning environments influence individuals’ attitudes through social embeddedness or interconnections among people, and physical embodiedness through experiencing surroundings, potentially fostering deep commitments. When on-farm demonstrations operate as tactile spaces, they could potentially support the adoption of innovative agricultural practices. In this article, we introduce video analysis as a methodological approach to evaluate this potential of on-farm demonstration (OFD) as tactile spaces. We reflect upon this methodology with a lens on three Belgian on-farm demonstrations, each on a different topic with a different participant group, all including farmers. As a first result, this method assists in defining strengths and weaknesses of an OFD in terms of using its potential as a rich learning environment. Based on our cases, we suggest deliberately incorporating physical interaction opportunities and verbal references to the surroundings during OFDs, as our data reveals that physical embodiedness opportunities stimulate verbal and physical interactions. However, more research should confirm this. Secondly, our research resulted in lessons learned for future use of video to evaluate OFDs as tactile spaces, building on the VDA methodological framework of Nassauer and Legewie (2018). We summarise our insights in methodological guidelines, which can serve as a starting point to guide future research.

Highlights

Our fast changing context, characterised by climate change, the need to address complex, often local, problems related to sustainable resource management, and the globalised markets based on technology and knowledge, has initiated a more complex system of knowledge exchange compared with the past [1]
We argue that on-farm demonstrations (OFDs) as an agricultural knowledge exchange activity fit well in this shift in approach towards more participatory agricultural education activities [6]
We suggest there is room for improvement in organising and carrying out an OFD to reach its potential as a tactile space

Summary

Introduction

It is a versatile practice that can be used for a great variety of advisory and extension strategies (e.g., supporting horizontal knowledge exchange; generation of policy and/or technological innovations; and supporting organisation development) and functions (raising awareness and consciousness; exploration of views and issues; communication on innovations) [6]. Another reason for our focus on OFDs are the multiple studies confirming demonstrations as a preferred way to learn by farmers. We believe that OFDs as learning spaces have the potential to combine multiple of these preferred methods, for example by including hands-on activities and discussion sessions during an OFD

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Conclusion