Evaluating the Skill of Students to Determine Soil Morphology Characteristics

Autor/inn/en	Post, Donald F.; Parikh, Sanjai J.; Papp, Rae Ann; Ferriera, Laerta
Titel	Evaluating the Skill of Students to Determine Soil Morphology Characteristics
Quelle	In: Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education, 35 (2006), S.217-224 (8 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1059-9053
Schlagwörter	Geometric Concepts; Regression (Statistics); Research Methodology; Cognitive Measurement; Topography; Self Evaluation (Individuals); Student Evaluation; Skill Development; Data Analysis; Skill Analysis; Soil Science; Arizona + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Elementare Geometrie; Regression; Regressionsanalyse; Research method; Forschungsmethode; Topografie; Schulnote; Studentische Bewertung; Kompetenzentwicklung; Qualifikationsentwicklung; Auswertung; Bodenkunde
Abstract	Precise and accurate pedon descriptions prepared by field scientists using standard techniques with defined terminology and methodology are essential in describing soil pedons. The accuracy of field measurements generally are defined in terms of how well they agree with objective criteria (e.g., laboratory analysis), such as mechanical analysis for soil texture, or chroma meter measurements for soil color. This paper presents data on the ability of 129 soil morphology students (1997-2004) to estimate these parameters following 4 weeks of classroom instruction at the University of Arizona. Stickiness and plasticity are included; however, no lab procedure is available and estimates are compared to reference samples. A methodology for completing a self-evaluation of skills is presented, which includes identifying the percentage placed in the correct category, simple linear regression analysis, and the computation of the root mean square error. The percentage placed in the correct category ranged from 25% for 21 texture classes to 71% for identifying the correct hue. Mean R[squared] ranged from 0.71 for stickiness to 0.88 for color value. These data can be used as baseline data for evaluating quantitatively the skills of other students and for the certification of professional soil scientists. (Contains 4 figure and 5 tables.) (Author).
Anmerkungen	American Society of Agronomy. 677 South Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53711. Tel: 608-273-8080; Fax: 608-273-2021; Web site: http://www.jnrlse.org/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10