Developing a Context Specific PCK Model for Kitchen-Garden Learning Programmes

With the increasing number of schools implementing garden-based learning, there is a need to consider pedagogies that enhance students' learning in a garden context. At present, there is little research available and the purpose and methods of implementing these programmes are greatly varied. To meet this need, this article introduces a new research-informed model for the analysis of teachers' pedagogical content knowledge when implementing kitchen-garden learning programmes. The model, PCK[subscript G2T], was constructed for use as the result of an interpretive-qualitative study that explored the ways in which five New Zealand teachers implemented a kitchen-garden learning programme and integrated it using a national curriculum. Data in the form of concept maps, documentary data and semi-structured interviews were analysed using three stages of data analysis and the common characteristics of PCK identified by the researchers. It is suggested the PCK[subscript G2T] model could be an efficacious tool for illustrating a teacher's PCK for garden-based learning and could be used as a tool for teacher inquiry and professional learning.