Teaching plant pathology: a forty-five year long journey

Abstract

This paper describes the experience of teaching plant pathology in Italy and traces the teaching environment over a period of more than 45 years, split into three main periods: 1975–2000; 2001–2020; and after 2020. The three periods are marked by different attitudes towards agriculture and, consequently, by a variable attractiveness of agricultural study programmes for students, as well as significant changes in the population of teachers and students. The teaching experience has been described by focusing on the changes that have taken place, from the perspectives of both students and teachers, all considered in an environment of continuous transformation. The changing importance of agriculture, the different approaches of people (consumers) towards agriculture, and how it has influenced students’ choices are considered. Data related to student enrolment at the College of Agriculture of the University of Turin have been used to provide real figures, which are useful to obtain a better understanding of the changes in the student population, also considering the different attractiveness of Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Food Science, as well as the variations in the composition of the female student population, which increased from 28% in the late 1970’s to 38% in 2020. Female students now show the highest interest in Food Science Courses. The changes in the students and teachers’ backgrounds and attitudes, as well as in the teaching and learning methods are considered, and some critical considerations are drawn, also on the basis of the developed personal experience. Moreover, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic disruption are discussed.