The anatomy of a woodland: Stand profile diagrams as an aid to problem-based learning in undergraduate forestry education

Abstract

Forestry education is poorly served with published examples of teaching and learning methods that enable students to engage actively with the discipline. This is not the case in other professional disciplines, such as the biology, medicine and engineering, where sub-disciplines have emerged and are devoted to the development and evaluation of optimum learning strategies. In this paper we present a short field-based practical that introduces forestry students to forest stand dynamics, applied forest ecology and silviculture. Students measure a series of tree and stand parameters in 2 contrasting forest types. They then analyze and interpret the data to develop their understanding. Reflective practice is built in by setting questions designed to promote enquiry and the self-identification of future avenues for personal development. The project, as described here, was devised for students at the National School of Forestry, England, but the principles could be applied to almost any learning environment. Planning within curriculum teams would be required to identify the appropriate location for this exercise in specific undergraduate programmes.Key words: forest stand dynamics, silviculture, problem-based learning, reflection, professional education RÉSUMÉLa formation académique en foresterie ne contient que très peu d' exemples de publication portant sur les méthodes d' enseignement et d'apprentissage qui pourraient permettre aux étudiants de s' engager sérieusement dans la discipline. Cela n' est pas le cas dans d'autres disciplines professionnelles, comme la biologie, la médecine et le génie, où se sont dévelop-pés de sous-disciplines consacrées au développement et à l' évaluation de stratégies optimales d'apprentissage. Nous présentons dans cet article un petit exercice pratique réalisé sur le terrain introduisant les étudiants en foresterie à la dynamique des peuplements forestiers, à l' écologie forestière appliquée et à la sylviculture. Les étudiants mesurent un groupe d'arbres et les paramètres de peuplement de deux types forestiers totalement différents. Ils analysent et interprè-tent par la suite les données pour bien comprendre la situation. L'apprentissage itératif s' effectue au moyen de questions conçues pour pousser les recherches et l'identification par la personne des orientations futures de son développement personnel. Le projet, tel que décrit ici a été élaboré pour les étudiants de la National School of Forestry en Angleterre, mais les principes pourraient être appliqués à presque tout environnement d'apprentissage. Une planification de la part de l' équipe chargé du programme de formation serait requise pour identifier l' endroit appropriée pour cet exercice réalisé au cours de certains programmes du baccalauréat.Mots clés : dynamique des peuplements forestiers, sylviculture, apprentissage à partir de cas, réflexion, formation professionnelle

Tree Stratification Based on Eruption Damage Level in Mount Merapi National Park Yogyakarta Indonesia

“…However, the tree canopy diameter at station C is all under 10 meters. The tree arrangement in the profile diagram describes the forest stand's structure, the architectural shape, the distance between the trees, the tree size range, and the forest's age range (Leslie & Wilson 2009). These trees' size and age can predict the history of a forest ecosystem and predict the future dominance of tree communities (Leslie & Wilson 2009).…”

“…The tree arrangement in the profile diagram describes the forest stand's structure, the architectural shape, the distance between the trees, the tree size range, and the forest's age range (Leslie & Wilson 2009). These trees' size and age can predict the history of a forest ecosystem and predict the future dominance of tree communities (Leslie & Wilson 2009). The development of vegetation at the three research stations can be predicted through the profile diagram and vegetation density.…”

Vegetation diversity and structure of urban parks in Cilegon City, Indonesia, and local residents’ perception of its function

“…Canopy stratification can be divided into five strata, namely < 1 m, 1 -2 m, 2 -5 m, 5 -10 m, and > 10 m (Iskandar and Iskandar 2016). Then vegetation profile diagram is made to get an overview of the layers of the canopy that make up the urban park (Leslie and Wilson 2009). Qualitative data collection techniques through semistructured interviews and in-depth interviews were used to explore residents' perceptions on the existence of urban parks and knowledge about the function of plants in the urban park in Cilegon City.…”

Teaching Introductory Ecology with Problem‐Based Learning

“…“The anatomy of a woodland: Stand profile diagrams as an aid to problem‐based learning in undergraduate forestry education” developed by Leslie and Wilson (). In this field laboratory exercise, students were taken to two contrasting forest types, an old growth forest and an even‐aged managed forest.…”