Assessing Student and Coach Learning Experiences with Virtual Collegiate Soil Judging Contest during COVID-19 Pandemic

Collegiate soil judging competitions are organized as annual face-to-face events both regionally and nationally in the USA. Soil provides a competitive platform for students to identify describe characteristics field. However, COVID-19 pandemic forced contests find new strategies maintain student engagement provide opportunities apply their knowledge of soils. In response, Region IV USA hosted virtual regional contest October 2020. The objectives this study were quantify students’ coaches’ perspectives on evaluate role either complement or alternative in-person contests. We conducted post-contest surveys (n = 31; 86% response rate) coaches 6, 100% assess learning outcomes reflections contest. Students responded most favorably format, citing flexibility it provided. Coaches satisfied with format but still preferred an also expressed concern that would not accurately measure full range student’s skills typically measured during Overall, reported was helpful gain experience descriptions enhance related assessment pedology. conclude formats can be inexpensive way additional experiences when field-based feasible (e.g., health restrictions such COVID-19) economical budget constraints site selection, development, travel), hybrid may encourage greater participation among without losing benefits gained by soils