Recipient Organization
NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
1620 STANDLEY DR ACADEMIC RESH A RM 110
LAS CRUCES,NM 88003-1239
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
We will create and implement hands-on learning activities within a new Soil Health laboratorycourse andincorporate practical field activities into a Geohydrology course, and develop animationsthat will be made freely available onlineto all users. Student learningactivities will focus on developing technical and soft skills necessary foremployment or graduate programs in food, agriculture, natural resources, human dimensions (FANH). New assistant professors will benefit from facultypreparation andenhancement through mentoring by senior professors.New and improved online learning materials will be developed to helpstudents better visualize molecular-scale concepts important in FANH. Equipment andinstrumentation will be obtained for improved hands-on learning in lab and field courses. Studentretention will be enhanced by improved learning and understanding through their participationinexperiential learning activities, increased self-confidence stemming from interactions withprofessionals in FANH, and the acquisition of job experience through internships and paidpositions with FANH agencies, university research labs, and local employers. Evaluation will involve regular review of the retention and graduation rates of our students, student demographic information, student feedback about FANH-careerpreparation, new course performance, the number of partners engaged, and the modules created anddisseminated along with the number of times they are accessed.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
50%
Developmental
50%
Goals / Objectives
This project will create and implement experiential learning activities within a new Soil Health laboratory course, incorporate practical field activities in a Geohydrology course, and develop accessible animations or multimedia learning tools that will be made freely available to all. New faculty will be mentored and student retention will be enhanced by improved learning and understanding through participating in experiential learning activities, increased self-confidence stemming from interactions with professionals, and the acquisition of job experience through internships and paid positions with FANH (food, agriculture, natural resources, human dimensions) agencies, university research labs, and local FANH-related employers.
Project Methods
To develop soil health, microbiology, and geohydrology lab exercises, we will work with FANH professionals to identify specific experiential learning activities, such as hands-on lab exercises, in-class demonstrations, and field activities that would enhance student understandingand career preparation. Each activity will provide practical, hands-on experience directlyrelevant to FANH. New courses and modules to integrate these experiential learning activitieswill be developed in collaboration with FANH professionals to ensure the curriculum staysup-to-date and relevant.Regular assessments, including student feedback andperformance, will be done to monitor the effectiveness of the experiential learning activities, allowing us to make any necessary adjustments to enhance the learning experience. Partnershipswith local FANH agencies (BLM, USFS, NRCS, etc) and employers will be established and expanded to provide studentswith practical experience, mentoring, and to prepare them for the job market.Our digital media development team has an established methodology to explore audience needs, identify learning goals, and determine what activities can lead to the desired change.The transformational design process used by theteam explores various ways a learner might learn, immerses the team in the specific contentmaterial, and collaboratively refines the role that digital media can play in supporting that changein the learner. Additionally, our team has established research-based processes to designinclusive educational media, considering learners accessibility needs (visual, hearing, motor,cognitive) and diversity, equity and inclusion best practices.