I think It is not used the opportunity, becouse the collage or university, only teaches to become a teacher in a garden. It needs to teach, how to investigate and give solution to all the problems in the Child school. Another problem is that not un all countries give the importance to this level in education for the little childs, to applicate the theories with them.

Gracias por su respuesta. - Soy una Boricua. Encantada.

It is beneficial to teacher education students since in serves as their laboratory. They have the opportunities to observe real classroom scenarios in early childhood teaching-learning setting. They can also engage as teacher assistants or practice teachers.

A college/university on-campus teaching garden can have various positive impacts on enrolled students who participate in or use these opportunities. Here are some of the potential impacts:

Experiential Learning: On-campus teaching gardens provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students. Engaging with the garden allows students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in classrooms to practical situations, enhancing their understanding and retention of concepts.

Environmental Awareness: Working in or utilizing the teaching garden fosters environmental consciousness among students. They gain insights into sustainable practices, organic gardening, and biodiversity conservation, which can lead to more environmentally responsible behaviors.

Health and Well-being: Spending time in a garden environment can have positive effects on students' mental and physical well-being. It can serve as a stress-reliever and a space to relax and connect with nature, promoting overall health.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Garden-based activities often require collaboration and teamwork. Students may work together on gardening projects, fostering interpersonal skills, communication, and the ability to work effectively in groups.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Tending to a garden involves making decisions, problem-solving, and adapting to changing conditions. Students develop critical thinking skills as they analyze the garden's needs and devise appropriate solutions.

Nutrition and Food Literacy: If the garden produces edible crops, students may develop a better understanding of nutrition and food literacy. They can learn about sustainable food sources, the farm-to-table process, and healthy eating habits.

Cultural and Community Connections: On-campus gardens can be a place for cultural exchange and community engagement. Students from diverse backgrounds can share their gardening traditions, fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Career Development: For students pursuing careers in agriculture, environmental science, horticulture, or related fields, the on-campus teaching garden can provide valuable practical experience and networking opportunities.

Research and Innovation: Some universities integrate teaching gardens into research initiatives. Students may have the chance to participate in research projects related to gardening, agriculture, and environmental studies.

Aesthetics and Campus Atmosphere: On-campus teaching gardens contribute to the overall aesthetics and ambiance of the campus. They create attractive spaces that enhance the overall learning environment.

When gathering data from multiple educational institutions, you can conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups with students who have utilized or participated in on-campus teaching gardens. Collect qualitative and quantitative data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impacts. Additionally, consider reaching out to faculty members or staff involved in managing the garden to gather their perspectives and insights.

By gathering data from various institutions, you can assess the consistency of the impacts observed across different settings and identify any unique practices or challenges specific to each campus. This broader approach will enhance the robustness and generalizability of your findings.

On-campus experiences prepare the student-teachers for a much bigger context where teaching is more challenging and at times becoming more complicated.

Thank you, all for your comments, advice, and suggestions. As a 30+ year retired secondary science public school teacher, I am interested in the pedagogical differences in the cited research between the utilization of campus teaching gardens and placed based learning (PBL. Although K-12 uses PBL as project-based learning.) in the age rages of K-12+ and established Community Gardens.

A college or university on-campus teaching garden can have several positive impacts on enrolled students who participate in or use these opportunities:

Hands-on Learning: Teaching gardens provide a practical and experiential learning environment where students can apply theoretical knowledge from their coursework in a real-world setting. This hands-on learning can deepen their understanding of subjects like biology, botany, agriculture, or environmental science.

Interdisciplinary Learning: Gardens often involve a range of disciplines, from biology and chemistry to environmental studies and landscape architecture. This interdisciplinary exposure can broaden students' perspectives and encourage collaboration across academic fields.

Environmental Awareness: Interacting with a teaching garden fosters a greater appreciation for the environment and nature. Students may become more environmentally conscious and develop a sense of responsibility for sustainable practices.

Skill Development: Participants may acquire practical skills related to gardening, horticulture, and land management. These skills can be valuable in various careers and even in personal life.

Stress Reduction and Well-Being: Gardens are known for their calming and therapeutic effects. Spending time in a teaching garden can reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and enhance overall quality of life for students.

Community Building: Gardens often serve as communal spaces where students and faculty can come together, fostering a sense of community and connection within the campus.

Research Opportunities: Teaching gardens can be used for research projects, giving students a chance to engage in scientific inquiry and contribute to ongoing studies.

Food Production: If the garden includes edible plants, students may learn about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food production. This knowledge can be applied to address food security and sustainability issues.

Environmental Stewardship: Interacting with a garden may encourage a sense of environmental stewardship and a desire to protect natural resources.

Inspiration for Careers: Exposure to a teaching garden can inspire students to pursue careers in fields related to botany, horticulture, agriculture, or environmental science.

Creativity and Innovation: Students may find inspiration in the garden for creative projects, artistic endeavors, or innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Overall, on-campus teaching gardens can enrich the educational experience by providing a dynamic and multifaceted learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom settings. They promote a deeper understanding of nature, sustainability, and the interplay between humans and their environment.

Thank you!