Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Kimberly, Idaho » Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #241936
Title: Learning Gains and Response to Digital Lessons on Soil Genesis and Development

Author
item MAMO, MARTHA - University Of Nebraska
item Ippolito, James
item KETTLER, TIMOTHY - University Of Nebraska
item MCCALLISTER, DENNIS - University Of Nebraska
item MORNER, PATRICIA - University Of Nebraska
item HUSMANN, DANN - University Of Nebraska
item BLANKENSHIP, ERIN - University Of Nebraska

Submitted to: Journal of Geoscience Education
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/30/2010
Publication Date: 11/14/2011
Citation: Mamo, M., Ippolito, J.A., Kettler, T., Mccallister, D., Morner, P., Husmann, D., Blankenship, E. 2011. Reinforcing concepts of soil genesis and development through principles and applications e-lessons. Journal of Geoscience Education. 59(4):194-204.

Interpretive Summary: The objectives of the project were to: (1) develop web-based lessons in soil genesis and development; and (2) use a pre- and post test to evaluate an applications-principles model to teach soil science using case studies in agronomic, environmental, and ecological situations. There were no differences in posttest gains, but student test performance from pretest to posttest improved by 10 to 69%. Lessons designed with context application such as the ones from this work will meet the needs of diverse earth science students.

Technical Abstract: Evolving computer technology offers opportunities for new online approaches in teaching methods and delivery. Well-designed online lessons should reinforce the critical need of the soil science discipline in today’s food, energy, and environmental issues, as well as meet the needs of the diverse clientele with interest in agricultural and/or environmental disciplines. The objectives of the project were to: (1) develop web-based lessons in soil genesis and development; and (2) evaluate an applications-principles model to teach soil science using case studies in agronomic, environmental, and ecological situations. Six principles lessons, along with three applications lessons, were developed for use by undergraduate earth science courses. Pre- and post-tests were used to assess learning gains. A post-activity survey was also used to assess perceptions of the online lessons by student users. There were no differences in posttest gains among majors, learning styles, or between genders; student test performance from pretest to posttest improved by 10 to 69%. As soil science, environmental science, and geology converge to address common problem issues, lessons designed with context application such as the ones from this work will meet the needs of diverse earth science students.