Abstract:  

Teaching through a community orchard: Developing a framework for best practices 

Over the course of two-and-a-half years from November 2018 to April 2021, Dr. Barbre undertook an education-based community project and worked with numerous community partners to develop and install the first open-access community fruit orchard with an educational mission in Richmond, Indiana. Being a former science teacher in K-12 settings, Dr. Barbre is intimately familiar with the benefits of outdoor education. The importance of outdoor education is reflected in the modern science standards in Indiana and other states. The goals of the Mary Scott Community Orchard (MSCO) address numerous areas of science education, public interactions with outdoor spaces, and food insecurity. The results of this sabbatical have manifested a framework of operation and representation that is more user-friendly and inviting to the general public, and serves to educate people about food production and plant ecology. Additionally, the MSCO is a resource for teachers as a living classroom in the area, both in K-12 and higher education, consistently engaging student groups across the school year and summer months.  

Biography:  

Dr. James Barbre is an Associate Professor of Education. His scholarly activities are focused on best practices in education and the intellectual and pedagogical empowerment of teachers. He has published numerous articles in a variety of areas in education and has produced two documentary films, while at Indiana University East. He has previously served as the Director of Graduate Programs in Education, Director of the Transition-to-Teaching Program, Coordinator for Study Abroad Programs, Faculty Senate President, and Acting Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.