Skills, abilities, and experiences of individuals
The type of learning to be expected is also based on the level of experience of those involved. For example, facts generally need to be understood prior to learning the principles associated with them. Similarly, it is useful for a client to know facts (such as identification of plant parts) before teaching him or her a procedure (e.g., taking stem cuttings of houseplants).
Table 4.2 Horticultural therapy practice: Teaching strategies for various content
or performance
Content |
Teaching strategy |
Horticultural example |
Fact |
Show, practice, and rehearse |
Ripe "Early Girl" tomatoes are red. |
Concept |
Show, describe, and organize |
Identify tomatoes ready for harvest. |
Principles |
State principle or rule |
Plants need healthy roots to grow. |
Procedure |
Demonstrate, organize, elaborate, and practice |
Transplant seedlings to pots. |
Interpersonal |
Model, imagine, and rehearse |
Cooperatively mix soil and fill flats. |
Attitude |
Model, imagine, and rehearse |
Gardening helps me to reduce stress. |