Hands-on learning approach effective for agriculture training
The irrigation system is regulated by computer
Piseth Chiep from the Ministry of Rural Development in Cambodia reports on the ELTO visit to Taratahi Training Centre in the Wairarapa.
In New Zealand, agriculture is the backbone of the country’s economy. It is very fortunate that the topic of this ELTO intake is sustainable economic development and agriculture and we are able to learn about agriculture firsthand from specialists in addition to improving our English competency.
I found Taratahi, which the ELTO Intake 34 visited on Friday 20th April, is a unique vocational centre because the training methodologies enable students from various educational background to participate and learn very effectively. It uses a hands on training methodology by which students not only learn skills and knowledge but are also involved enthusiastically and develop personal abilities. This approach is very crucial for school leavers to be successful in an agricultural career.
There are many interesting sections in Taratahi. I was particularly interested in the modern technological irrigation system for pasture regulated by the computer programme which can be moved automatically on wheels back and forth, and which is able to rotate 360 degrees. This system is advanced technology for irrigating pastures during the summer when rain is not sufficient.
I was also interested in the dairy shed. I am aware of the different issues related to milk processing and cow disease. The centre still keeps a conventional milking system because within this system, students learned better than the modern shed. Students experience both “backing and heading of the cows”. Generally, cows are able to be milked twice a day at 5am and 3pm. The age for milking is from 2 years old and during the ages of 5 to 8 years are the peak time for milk production.
I found this field visit very educational and valuable. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our teachers, organisers and the Taratahi staff for their arrangement, hosts and guides at the centre. With all of this support, I enjoyed the friendliness among our colleagues and teachers and more importantly benefitted from their knowledge.Hands-on learning approach effective for agriculture trainingHands-on learning approach effective for agriculture training
