University-Local School Collaboration in Agricultural and Environmental Education

Abstract

     This paper describes a university-school collaborative project for the development of integrated courses and learning activities in agriculture and environment. A participatory action research was conducted by Kasetsart University (Kampaeng Saen Campus) and 2 local schools. Collaborative researchers consisted of 5 faculty members from agricultural and environmental education program, 7 pre-service teachers, and 2 cooperative teachers. With guidance, the participating pre-service teachers designed two integrated courses with learning activities and assessment criteria. One course was targeted for primary level, the other for secondary. The courses were then implemented in participating schools during student-teaching practicum of one semester. At the end of the one-year project, a seminar was conducted to provide forum for learning and exchanging of experiences among the project participants and teachers of the other 12 local schools. The student teachers reflected positively on their achievement and learning experiences as practicing teacher-cum-researcher. The cooperative teachers were satisfied with the integrated courses and the learning outcomes of their pupils, particularly at primary level. Experiences from collaborative research were fruitful for further development of teacher education program. Following this project, university-school collaboration was extended to related activities and to other local schools.