Paper Short Abstract:

The paper explores how craft learning, particularly in plant propagation, involves building a repertoire of experiential examples over time. It addresses the challenge of teaching students who lack prior experience and proposes a practice-based classification system to help them effectively navigate and learn craft knowledge.

Paper Abstract:

Learning a craft involves building a repertoire of experiential examples (Schön 1995). In certain craft specialisations, developing a personal repertoire requires that practice and the evaluation of results are interspersed over an extended period. Often, this process must also be in line with the practices established within a professional discipline. When crafts are taught in educational settings, teachers face the challenge of finding pedagogical tools to support students' learning of materials and methods, even before they have had the opportunity to build their own repertoire of experiential examples. In horticulture, plant propagation exemplifies a craft where the knowledge repertoire is constructed through comparisons of practice cases involving various plants and their stages of development. The outcomes of actions may only become apparent after weeks, months, or even years. This craft also demands expertise in managing highly varied materials. Literature on plant propagation is often both concise and generalised, making it difficult to convey the breadth of knowledge required to propagate plants effectively. An experienced plant propagator builds a repertoire that facilitates comparisons and informed decision-making across diverse materials, a repertoire that can never be fully captured in a book. Drawing from my own experience teaching plant propagation, I discuss a practice-based classification system designed to aid students in their learning process. This theory of practice helps students organise their personal experiences and navigate the wealth of information they encounter.

Schön, D.A. (2003[1995]). The reflective practitioner: how professionals think in action. (Repr.[= New ed.]). Aldershot: Arena.