Does learning environment matter? A case study evaluating beekeeper knowledge gain and behavior change

Small-scale beekeepers across the United States continuously experience high losses of their managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies each year. They commonly cite the ectoparasitic Varroa destructor mite as a major culprit, despite known field-tested, practical best management practices (BMPs) and the availability of control products. Surveys indicate that many beekeepers do not employ BMPs for V. destructor despite their benefits for colony health, and that they rely on various information resources that may not be aligned to their preferred learning environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to: 1) identify the most frequently used resources to seek information regarding V. destructor BMPs and 2) assess how different learning environments affect knowledge gain and behavior change in beekeeper V. destructor management.

For that, we will analyze a 10-year dataset from the non-profit Bee Informed Partnership’s Annual Loss and Management Survey to identify frequently used information resources by beekeepers across the United States (Objective 1). We will also conduct a study to test two different learning environments and their effect on knowledge gain and behavior change, by surveying beekeepers from the southeast (Objective 2). Half the beekeepers will experience a self-paced, fully online learning environment, whereas the other half will engage in an immersive, in-person learning experience. Ultimately, we want to develop tailored information resources and educational opportunities for small-sale beekeepers based on our results that promote knowledge gain and behavior changes.