Our Approach and Philosophy

Our Approach:

This course focuses on the foundations and program planning strategies of garden-based learning (GBL), and provides an opportunity to use real world tools to develop a GBL program. Through hands-on learning, participants will become more confident and knowledgeable garden-based educators, will connect with and learn from others with the same purpose, and leave with a toolbox of valuable tools and resources that are easily integrated into schools, youth, adult, or community programs.

Course Philosophy:

This course is designed to enrich the practice of community-based gardening in schools and communities, for children, youth and adult audiences, and to encourage a network of state and nation-wide educators, volunteers and communities who will learn and grow together.


woman with children in garden

My Philosophy as an Instructor:

This is an online course that you are likely taking for your professional development as an Cooperative Extension educator, Master Gardener Volunteer, youth worker, classroom teacher, school administrator or school or community garden coordinator or volunteer. I hope you are intrinsically motivated to expand your knowledge and improve your practice by completing the readings, assignments and learning activities. I will assume that you have read the assigned readings, and I will not "test" you on content, because I do not believe that should be your motivation. My hope is that you will take full advantage of the discussions, which are designed in a way for you to collaborate and communicate with your colleagues freely and often, to learn from one another and explore techniques and strategies that will help you in your program development or professional practice.

Given the flexible nature of the distance learning environment, it is easy to fall behind and lose out on what could be a very valuable learning experience for you. Keeping yourself well organized and current with assignments will help you get the most out of this course. This course has been designed to be learner-centered, with due dates, deadlines and self-evaluation exercises put in place to help keep you on track, not as a means to penalize you. Stated simply, you will get from the course what you put into it. 

Please be open with your feedback and feel free to contact me with any questions. An open dialogue is encouraged and welcomed!

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