Engaging Values in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Education:

Toward an Explicitly Values-Based Pedagogical Approach

Authors

  • Ryan E. Galt University of California, Davis
  • Susan F. Clark Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • Damian Parr University of California, Davis

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2012.023.006

Keywords:

appreciate inquiry, experiential learning, food systems, integrative learning, land-grant universities, sustainable agriculture, values

Abstract

Agriculture education programs that provide integrative learning experiences that reflect the complexities, values, and challenges inherent to sustainable agriculture and food systems (SAFS) continue to evolve as faculty, staff, and students implement, experience, and modify them. Higher education institutions, especially land-grant universities, have strengths that position them to implement transformative learning and action methodologies. In this article we explore the principles, approaches, and practices consistent with integrative learning and a values-based pedagogical approach to curriculum design and teaching specific to SAFS. By a values-based pedagogical approach, we mean paying explicit attention to the values that (1) underpin different agricultural and food systems and their governance, (2) inform and shape educational strategies and experiences, and (3) are held by different individuals in various encounters in the learning environment. A values-based approach to SAFS curriculum development, teaching, and integrative learning is dynamic rather than static. We provide illustrations of practices across the education "life-cycle" — curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation — that have used values-based pedagogy to guide the development, modification, and strengthening of SAFS curricula. Finally, we discuss some limitations and issues that arise when using such pedagogical frameworks. We conclude by challenging educators to focus on connecting values relevant to SAFS with innovative curricular practices that allow emergence of new ways of teaching, learning, and knowing for all.

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Author Biographies

Ryan E. Galt, University of California, Davis

Associate Professor, Department of Human and Community Development & Agricultural Sustainability Institute, 

Susan F. Clark, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise

Damian Parr, University of California, Davis

Sustainable Agriculture Education Association

Published

2012-05-26

How to Cite

Galt, R. E., Clark, S. F., & Parr, D. (2012). Engaging Values in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Education: : Toward an Explicitly Values-Based Pedagogical Approach. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 2(3), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2012.023.006

Issue

Section

Food Systems and Higher Education Call Papers

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