Landscape architecture studies by using service learning method

Nitavska, N., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava; Zigmunde, D., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava; Markova, M., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava; Ile, U., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava

Landscape architecture studies by using service learning method

2016

Nitavska, N., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Zigmunde, D., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Markova, M., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Ile, U., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia)

This article deals with the use of the service learning method in the study courses of landscape architecture bachelor studies outcomes from a student’s perspective. This kind of research is unique with combining service learning method research and involvement of student’s perspective. The service learning method, which includes both theoretical studies and practical work in the planning of actual territories and communication with the customer, is important for the development of professional competences in the field of landscape architecture. The aim of the research was to state the benefits of students’ professional growth from using this method in the study process. The article summarises the evaluation of the experience of Latvia University of Agriculture landscape architecture studies in cooperation with 3 non-governmental organisations, 8 municipalities and governmental organisations and 4 associations from 2013 to 2016. The research was based on the students’ survey. The students had to answer close-ended questions about the knowledge they had acquired from the projects of different scales. As a result of the survey, it was concluded that the students’ main benefits of professional knowledge are mainly associated with a better understanding of specific features of particular places, which is not always possible within the framework of theoretical studies. The possibility of presenting projects to a real customer, thus improving one’s presentation skills was also positively evaluated.

Afficher plus [+]