Course Syllabus

Master Gardener Volunteer Training: Extension for Home and Community Gardens

Instructors: Anne Yasalonis, anneanne@ufl.edu 

TAs:

Classes: Online, asynchronous  Office Hours: By appointment 

PDF of TAs by week

Course Description:

The Florida Master Gardener Program trains UF/IFAS Extension volunteers to provide horticultural education to residents and communities. Students will receive training to become a Master Gardener Volunteer, and learn, horticulture, Integrated Pest Management, plant pathology, and garden planning.  This online class is composed of digital lectures, discussion, and hands-on activities

Course Overview:

This course is ideal for students interested in home gardening, community gardening, community development, public health, public education, Extension, urban sociology, urban landscape design, and sustainability. After completing this course, students will be qualified to become a Florida Master Gardener Volunteer.  If they wish to pursue this, they must work through the State Master Gardener Office and their County Extension Office within two years, identifying any formal steps to take for certification and contributing 75 volunteer hours and 10 learning hours within the first year of training. Certified Master Gardeners serve their communities by answering gardening questions from local residents, participating in community and school garden projects, supporting youth activities, and more. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:  

• Explain the basic principles of horticulture in Florida, including native species and ecosystem considerations, soil health and management, plant biology and selection, and garden and landscape planning and maintenance.
• Apply practical solutions and troubleshoot landscape and garden issues.
• Apply the principles of integrated pest management and plant pathology in order to make recommendations for pests and disease management in home and community gardens.
• Critique the possibilities and limitations of Extension and its role in communicating science to the
• Identify various learning, diagnostics, and networking resources afforded to Master Gardener Volunteers.

 

Grading and Assignments:

Quizzes: 100 points (10 x 10 points each); 21% of total

Students should review the lectures and any assigned readings, complete the assigned Quiz sheets, and post your work on Canvas by 10pm on the due date posted each week.  There are 11 total quizzes.  You may miss ONE quiz without penalty. Late assignments will not be accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances or other reasons outlined in University policies.

 

Reflection and Participation: 150 points (20 points for each reflection and 10 points for each response); 32% of total

Five reflection topics will be posted in the discussion section of Canvas on the dates noted on the schedule.  Students must post an initial reflection to the questions by 10pm on the due date posted.  Students must then read classmates reflections and offer a thoughtful response to at least one of the reflections by 10pm Friday.   Reflections are not a book report and should not simply reiterate what you have learned. You are expected to discuss your thoughts on the topic: Do you agree with the central idea, and why or why not? Is there research or information supporting the main points you are making? Did you learn something new or reinforce what you already knew? What did you take-away from the lectures and/or readings related to the topic, and what questions do you have after reviewing them? All reflections should be at least 300 words. Please check your writing before posting it – spelling, punctuation, and grammar count!  All assignments should be posted on Canvas by 10pm on the due date. Late assignments will not be accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances or other reasons outlined in University policies.

 

Experiential Learning Activities: 120 points (20pts/activity or set of activities); 26% of total

Students must complete all 6 experiential learning activities throughout the term. If students cannot accomplish the activities due to location or medical accommodation constraints, a substitute project that covers the relevant material for that module may be chosen with prior approval by the instructor, and it is due the same time as the regular activity.   Assignment deliverables must be submitted on Canvas by 10pm on the due dates posted.

Extra Credit may be given for completing all experiential learning activities and for attendance at specified events throughout the term. All students will have equal opportunity for extra credit.

 

Final Activity: 40 points; 8% of total

Final activity will cover all modules and readings.

 

Final Scenario Assignment: 60 points; 13% of total

Final scenario will cover all modules and readings. Students must write a scenario problem that could act as a final exam question for an essay test. 

 

Required Text and Materials

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Student Manual. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 2018. ISBN: 978-0-578-21363

Additional readings are listed below in the schedule and will be posted on Canvas for the relevant modules.

For Week 9 -

One seed packet of Kentucky Wonder bush beans

One small plant such as pothos, African violet, or basil (or a cutting from your landscape),

Two small pots filled with potting soil. 

Special Accommodations

Students requesting accommodations should first register with the Disability Resource Center (352-392-8565, www.dso.ufl.edu/drc/) by providing appropriate documentation. Once registered, students will receive an accommodation letter which must be presented to the instructor when requesting accommodation. Students with disabilities should follow this procedure as early as possible in the semester.

 

Class Demeanor, Attendance and Make-up Policy

Students are expected to review each module and all materials and readings associated with each module.  All assignments are due by 10pm on the date posted on Canvas.  Late assignments will not be accepted unless there are extenuated circumstances or other reasons outlined in University policies.   Excused absences that result in the inability to complete an assignment are consistent with university policies: (https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx) and require appropriate documentation. 

Students are expected to behave in a manner that is respectful to the instructor and to fellow students. Our goal in this class is to create a culture of acceptance, engagement and respectful discourse.  We encourage differences of opinion and sharing ideas constructively.  Opinions held by other students should be respected in discussion posts, and any rude or intolerant behavior will not be tolerated.  Conversations that do not contribute to the discussion of course material should be held to a minimum. Cell phone use is not permitted in class, unless otherwise specified. 

 

Software Use:

All faculty, staff and students of the university are required and expected to obey the laws and legal agreements governing software use. Failure to do so can lead to monetary damages and/or criminal penalties for the individual violator. Because such violations are also against university policies and rules, disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate.

 

Materials and Supplies Fees

There are no additional fees for this course.