Abstract:
Practicum courses can bridge the gap between knowledge gained in a classroom and application in "real world" work environments. Students often ask, "Why do I need this course?" While many courses may seem unconnected to them, practicum can serve as a unique tool connecting information and application. Ideally, practicum reinforces learning outcomes specific to the student's major. We developed a practicum course where students could gain a holistic sense of work in the field of environmental science research. The purpose of the practicum was to involve students in scientific research; including, conducting a literature review, participating in experimental design, collecting field samples, and analyzing data. Student behaviors and perceptions of the experience were observed during a 10-week practicum course. Overall, student responses to the experience were positive, and students appeared to enjoy working in the field and the lab. Students perceived the value of well-organized experiences that highlighted timely issues in environmental science.
Keywords:
worms, manure, practicum
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