ISHS Acta Horticulturae 350: I International Symposium on Education and Training in Horticulture
EDUCATION FOR HORTICULTURE WORLD WIDE, CURRENT PROVISION AND FUTURE REQUIREMENTS: A CONFERENCE OVERVIEW |
| Author: | G.R. Dixon |
| Abstract:
Conference members established the shape and content of horticultural courses around the world identifying first the varying needs of developed and developing countries. Union with plant science departments loses Horticulture its contact with industry and identity as a specialist discipline in its own right. For some developing countries, horticulture represents a major proportion of agricultural output and in all countries there are requirements for very highly trained specialists. All speakers agreed that there is still substantial need for the inclusion of practical 'hand-on' training during horticultural courses. A major topic for discussion was the level of horticulture required as "core" course in order to constitute a bonafide course? The New Zealand system serving a burgeoning new industry has developed science, technology and business majors and also emphasises the need for skills in communication, literacy and numeracy. Horticultural graduates must have a high level of ability in the acquisition, interpretation and application of knowledge. Skills are required which convey manual dexterity for practical sciences such as pedology, crop protection and tissue culture. Recognition of the demands of industry for the inclusion of business and management studies came from several delegates. Early involvement through schools and access courses for adults in the ability to find and apply knowledge was endorsed by many speakers. Various provocative suggestions were levelled at what training might be expected of students prior to their vocational or intercalated years. Real life analysis of problems can be enhanced by use of case studies where the students become decision makers. Several speakers spoke of the value of computer assisted learning as providing greater effectiveness, cost-efficiency and flexibility. Programs become increasingly more 'user-friendly' especially as a result of the 'Windows' format. | |
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