Wood anatomy teaching: Example of the Vocational School of Forestry

Abstract

The teaching of wood anatomy is difficult because of the Latin and foreign terminology and the great number of concepts, definitions, terms, and topics that must be learned and that pose difficulties in understanding for most students. The aim of this study was to describe developed traditional methods and adapt new methods in order to explain wood anatomy more clearly to students in both online and face-to-face education. The teaching of the Wood Structure and Identification course at the Vocational School of Forestry was observed and evaluated over the period of two academic terms (one during the Covid-19 pandemic). Teaching methods used in the wood anatomy course were described in detail. Lesson materials and homework were evaluated. When the usual methods were diversified and enriched with visuals and samples brought to the classroom, the students showed more interest in the lesson. As a result of the student drawing and modelling assignments, the lesson was reviewed and reinforced, which enabled the students to focus on the subject and consequently, to understand and learn more easily. It has determined that all teaching methods can be applied easily in both education periods, except using real wood samples method in online education.