learning is our ultimate objective. Our hope is that this publication series will encourage and

stimulate thinking, analysis, and writing on subjects which support the teaching and learning

function, which has become an increasingly important part of the department's overall mission at

both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This is certainly compatible with the increased

offerings in recent years of teaching and learning workshops and programs in the college, university,

and profession.

 Our belief is that sharing ideas, insights, and experiences will serve to raise the quality of

teaching and in the process facilitate an increase in the level of learning. Thus, the goal of the

Teaching and Learning Paper Series is to improve, enhance, and enrich the teaching and learning

environment in the Food and Resource Economics Department, the College of Agricultural and Life

Sciences, the University of Florida, and the agricultural economics profession through the

publication of papers on teaching philosophies and techniques, curricular issues, and case studies.

 Papers are encouraged which explore teaching methods, styles, and philosophies, including

observations on what works well and what does not work so well in the facilitation of learning.

Sharing experiences based on experimentation with new teaching ideas and approaches gleaned

from teaching workshops, seminars, and readings may help others improve their teaching and

perhaps avoid costly mistakes. Experiences with active learning and other activities which are

designed to support student-centered learning are also encouraged. As faculty gain more experience

with the various forms of distance learning, others can certainly benefit from publications which

address the opportunities and challenges associated with this new format for teaching and learning.

 Faculty who are relatively new to the teaching function should benefit particularly from this

series, but seasoned teachers should also benefit from new perspectives and ideas. This publication