Bridging the Gap between Academia and Food System Stakeholders The case of MSc in Agroecology at NMBU

Charles Francis, Geir Lieblein, Tor Arvid Breland, Edvin Østergaard, Suzanne Morse, Anna Marie Nicolaysen, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

The 11th European IFSA Symposium, 1- 4 April 2014, Berlin

Farming Systems Facing Global Challenges: Capacities and Strategies

Starting with the Phenomena  

Reflecting on Experiences – Individually and Together  

FIELD TRIP I

Describe and analyze the present

Create image of desired future

(and start to plan action)

Develop plans for action + widening the scope

                      Prepare reports and present casework

Agroecology: Action research

in farming and food systems

Preparation

Communication with stakeholders

Introduction Excursion to farm Reflection Read scientific literature Action research Multiple- perspectives Observation

Draw rich

picture

Identify themes Draft Client and Learner docs.

Create image of desired future and Force field analysis

Action planning

Hand in: Stakeholder document Learner document Oral exam

What does it mean?

Where do we want to go?

How can we get there?

A Learning Cycle

Peer and teacher feedback

Public workshop

Report writing

Global issues

What is there?

Students get important field experience battling with crucial issues, as well as experience from working in groups, and from solving challenges that may occur in that dynamic. Students express that these, sometimes really though experiences, prepare them to boldly take on difficult tasks in the future

This way of organizing a course is not ‘an easy option’, but require: Careful planning, belief, commitment Taking risks, letting go of authority Students taking a more active role in their own learning But, empowered students excel in their work!