Workshops at the 2012 UENR Biennial Conference

Innovations in Education and Research at WCNR

Melinda Laituri — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:15:00 PDT

A panel discussion of new ideas, pedagogy and methods for the integration of teaching and research. WCNR is a leading institution for natural resource education. This panel will present specific examples from the across the college and discuss benefits to students, research outputs, and innovative approaches to teaching. Facilitator: Melinda Laituri; Panelists: Jessica Thompson, Sara Rathburn

Workshop of Developing a Framework for an Undergraduate Degree in Natural Resources Science and Management

Terry Sharik et al. — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:30:00 PDT

Broad undergraduate degrees in “Natural Resource Science and Management” (NRSM) have proliferated greatly over the last two decades, and more recently consideration has been given to accrediting such degree programs and/or certifying individuals with expertise in this area. The purpose of this NAUFRP-sponsored half-day, highly interactive workshop is to determine if there is a unifying theme to existing NRSM degree programs that might lend itself to serving as a framework for establishing national standards in NRSM. Topics under consideration for discussion include, but are not limited to, title of the degree, core requirements, options, competencies/expected outcomes, relation to more specialized degrees in natural resources and to two-year and graduate programs, and accreditation and certification possibilities (including OPM requirements). Participants are encouraged to bring hard and electronic copies of their existing NRSM program descriptions to share with others.

Teaching Natural Resources Courses Online

Debora Colbert et al. — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:15:00 PDT

This panel will focus on the components and “best practices” of an online lesson “module” in a Natural Resources course. The presenters will address common assumptions about online courses, including the idea that online lessons are simply repositories of readings and assignments, or pre-recorded lectures. While online courses certainly include these elements, instructors may choose from a wealth of activities (including fieldwork and in-service assignments) and materials (video, interactive Flash animations) that encourage student engagement, concept application and synthesis, time-on-task, and critical thinking. This panel will be comprised of four parts: 1. A short presentation covering the elements of a lesson module for an online natural resources course; 2. A discussion of “best practices” and pedagogical research; 3. Informal comments by a Natural Resources faculty member who is currently teaching online; and, 4. An open forum for audience questions and comments.

Maintaining Field Experiences and Skills with Shrinking Budgets

Elizabeth M. Dodson — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:45:00 PDT

Public institutions are ever under pressure to contain costs and minimize risk exposure. This has created challenges for natural resource programs wishing to maintain field experiences and equip students with necessary field skills. The panel will include representatives from 3-4 natural resource programs, each of whom will briefly present how they currently provide field instruction and how their approach has changed over the recent past. These short presentations will be followed by a moderated discussion including the audience and panelists.