flexible learning pathways: a forestry extension perspective on curriculum development

Flexible Learning Pathways:

A Forestry Extension Perspective on

Curriculum DevelopmentMike Cloughesy & Scott Reed

Oregon State UniversityCollege of Forestry

Flexible Learning Pathways

• Forestry Extension & Outreach Education in Oregon

• Model of Curriculum Development• Natural Resource Curricula• Elements of Successful Programs

Forestry Extension and Outreach Education in

Oregon• Woodland Owner Training• Natural Resource Professional

Training• Public Policy Training• Watershed Council Training

Woodland Owner Education Curriculum Pyramid

Basic Forestry Shortcourse Backyard Woodlands

Resource Management Planning

MWM AWOP

AWOP MWM

Advanced MWM

Forestry Extension and Outreach Education in

Oregon• Woodland Owner Training• Natural Resource Professional

Training• Public Policy Training• Watershed Council Training

Model of Curriculum

Development (Verduin)

• Rationale– Target Audience Identification– Needs Assessment

• Outside Political Forces– Government Agencies– Private Organizations– NGOs

Model of Curriculum Development (cont.)• Goal Identification

– General Level– Intermediate Level– Specific Level

• Instructional Activities & Organization– Specific goal-directed learning

experiences– Hierarchy of KASAs– Assume entry level KASAs– Use prerequisites– Adjust through feedback

Model of Curriculum Development (cont.)• Evaluation

– Measure Goal Achievement– Formative Evaluation– Summative Evaluation

• Inputs• Activities• Involvement• Reactions• KASA change• Practice change• End results

Natural Resource Curricula• Master Woodland Manager

• Natural Resources Institute• Basic Forestry Short Course• Resource Management Planning• Watershed Stewardship Education Program• Minnesota Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative

Natural Resource Curricula• Oregon Forest Institute for Teachers

• Forest Products Management Development Short Course• Growing Natural Resource Leaders for the 21st Century• International Institute & Certificate

for Sustainable Natural Resources• Professional Forest Resource Management Curriculum & Certificate

Elements of Successful

Education Programs

1. Develop demand-driven programs.

2. Identify & describe target audience.

3. Conduct formal needs assessment.

4. Develop clear goals and objectives.

5. Use specific learning activities to achieve specific educational goals.

Elements of Successful

Education Programs

6. Use formative & summative evaluation to measure goal achievement.

7. Adjust learning activities with feedback.

8. Level 5 or 6 summative evaluations.9. Develop long-term client

relationships.10. Allow multiple or flexible pathways.