The Sanford Stadium Problem: A Case Study for Upper and Lower Level Soils Classes. (A01-butler189012-poster)
Authors:
K.L. Butler* - Penn State University M.J. Schlossberg - Penn State University M.A. Fidanza - Penn State, Berks/Lehigh
Abstract:
An alternative to traditional lectures and exams in college courses is to engage the students as active participants in the learning process. Such an alternative is the use of case studies. Case studies provide opportunities for students to use their knowledge of a subject combined with critical thinking skills to work out probable solutions to real-world problems. A case study that examines a turf- and soil-fertility related problem at Sanford Stadium, Georgia has been used in two academic settings at Penn State University Park: an introductory soils course offered to students from various majors across the campus, and the turfgrass nutrition course offered to upper level students of Penn State’s Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program. It is proposed for use in a third setting, a comparable introductory soils course that is offered at Penn State Berks campus. Students at these differing levels of soil science education and experience are provided with photographs as well as soil, plant, and other chemical data with which to evaluate the cause of poor turfgrass vigor in specific areas of the Sanford Stadium field.
The more advanced students are further asked to recommend a treatment for or solution to the problem. Student response to as well as faculty evaluation of this study will be presented.
Speaker Information: Katharine Butler, Penn State University, 116 A.S.I. Building, University Park, PA 16802; Phone: 814-865-2119; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 4, 2003, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM Presentation Start: 8:00 AM (Poster Board Number: 125)
Keywords: Soil Fertility; Turfgrass; Critical Thinking; Problem Solving