DACUM as a Model for Horticulture Curriculum Development and Revision: A Case Study

Abstract

DACUM (develop a curriculum) was implemented at Kent State University (KSU) to develop and revise curricular content of an associate degree program in horticulture technology. Initially, at KSU-Salem in 1990, a committee followed a typical DACUM process to develop a skills profile for the horticulture technology worker. The skills profile consisted of terminal and intermediate learning objectives that served as the content of basic data sheets for thirteen new courses in horticulture technology. This associate degree program was initiated at Salem in 1991 and offers three concentration areas: landscape management, turfgrass management, and arboriculture. Later, when a proposed new program offering was considered at KSU-Geauga, a modified DACUM process was implemented to develop a new skills profile that refl ected both general knowledge areas of horticultural and business practices and industry-spe- cific competency areas. Comparison of the two curricula revealed similarities between the two skills profiles. This led to the recommendation that the original curriculum also be offered at KSU-Geauga campus with two differences: 1) omit the arboricul- ture concentration, and 2) consider a new concentration in greenhouse and nursery operations in the future. The associate degree program in horticulture technology at the KSU-Geauga campus began in 1999. The DACUM process, by involving members of the horticultural industry in the curricular development process, provided several long-term benefits and a high level of cooperation between industry leaders and KSU-Geauga.