Teaching Integrated Pest Management Using the Learn-by-Doing Philosophy
California Polytechnic State University's (Cal Poly) learn-by-doing philosophy permeates all areas of the environmental horticultural science curriculum by combining an emphasis on the science of horticulture in lecture sessions and the opportunity to engage in activities similar to those used by industry in the lab activities integral in all courses. The course, Disease and Pest Control Systems in Ornamental Plants (EHS 427), has taken this philosophy a step further by using problem-based learning and allowing students to function as pest control advisors and qualified applicators in the class. This approach has resulted in greatly increased student understanding of pest control, improved student morale, and increased interest in integrated pest management careers and research projects.