Theses and Dissertations
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2180-2769
Issuing Body
Mississippi State University
Advisor
Swortzel, Kirk A.
Committee Member
Newman, Michael E.
Committee Member
Downey, Laura H.
Committee Member
Phillips, Tommy M.
Date of Degree
5-11-2022
Document Type
Dissertation - Open Access
Major
Agricultural Science
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Department
School of Human Sciences
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions middle school students had about agriculture and gardening as part of the GrOW (Gardening and Overall Wellness) Program. This included multiple constructs, including students’ gardening efficacy, perceptions of those who had already completed the GrOW Program, perceptions of those who had not completed the GrOW Program, and students’ future interests in gardening. The population for this study was sixth-grade students at the Partnership Middle School in Starkville, Mississippi. A quantitative instrument was used to assess the perceptions of the students (n = 222).
Overall, students had positive perceptions about the GrOW Program. They believed it would help them in being able to assist their families in raising a garden. Students understood that watering and weeding were important in keeping a garden healthy, and they liked being outdoors. Several recommendations for future research were revealed through this study. Surveying other middle schools that also have gardening programs with similar and different demographics would provide a complete evaluation of gardening perceptions. For future studies on this program, having sixth-grade students complete the survey at the beginning and end of the school year would provide a more detailed view of what the students perceptions of the GrOW Program were for that school year. Finally, since students’ views tend to change over time, a longitudinal study to better explain student perceptions of agriculture and gardening. The GrOW program has potential in serving as a model and providing resources for other schools wanting to develop a curriculum-based gardening program.
Recommended Citation
White, Julie B., "Perceptions of middle school students on gardening" (2022). Theses and Dissertations. 5401.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/5401