#RuralEdChat Archive
#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
Tuesday April 26, 2016
One of my favorite edu heroes has always been John Dewey - his voice resonates as loudly now as it did in the early 1900s.
Super ready to hear more about week on
Another person who thrived on experiential learning? Henry David Thoreau! Ever read Walden?
I'm tonight's host, John Martin, out of what has become snowy New Hampshire, joined by &
I'm excited about our topic tonight!
Snowy is definitely what FL is not! lol
Who has joined this evening? Could you share one of your favorite experiences with us?
I haven't always been a tech geek. My UG degree is in Outdoor Ed from the Univ of New Hampshire. Experiential ed at its finest!
I'm Teri Bauerly, grades 6-8 STEM & EdTech teacher in Spearfish, SD.
Julie, I'll take what I can get. Great to see you.
I've had more than a few ;) One of my favorite was exploring the jungles of the Yucatan w/ my wife.
Thank you John for the reminder of tonight's chat! To those who don't know me, I teache Computer Science in NH
Hi No snow here but chilly! Glad to be talking experiential learning tonight. Thanks for leading tonight
20s tonight and highs in the 40s tomorrow here in Maine. Our 3 inches might melt by end of day.
Brushing my teeth with a wild hippo roaming. Lake Boringo, Kenya 1991.
Justin Coffey. I teach Alg. in Dodge City, KS. I remember writing a marketing plan for the owner of a small business in school
A favorite experience... designing a summer program to meet a practicum requirement for an independent study course
I'm trying to get better!
. Whichever you prefer? We've got an hour to talk edu, so make it about you!
Natalee, HS Humanities in Maine. Leading 4 day wilderness canoe trip in a leaking canoe on the Magalloway River & Lake Umbagog
Q1: When you hear the term , what comes to mind?
I love nature & the outdoors...as long as it's warm! Especially the beach
. AMIGO! How are you my friend? Bummed you won't be at but stoked about your trip!
That sounds cool and fun!
. 1/2 I wanted my gifted endorsement, a prof offered the 4 classes as ind. study. no local gifted programs 2 observe
A1 Something that involves DOING to find out how something works or problem solve https://t.co/Bhhne28pfP
Q1: When you hear the term , what comes to mind?
2/2 so we designed a summer program that ran for 4 years, it counted as my practicum & became one of my fav things
My HS Shop motto, "in doing, we learn". Circa 1983
Q1: Better to ask forgivness ;) Really, I'll try anything as long as it doesn't harm Ss. Open minds will open doors!
A1: having authentic experiences that lead to learning.
Does Space Camp count as ?
. Oh yes! And I want to see pics!
. the very best prof around. Encouraged people to become edus, Ss who struggled in traditional school were stars
Hi Jamie, MS T from MA! Fave experience as a kid - taking nature walks in 1st grade. Loved learning about birds, trees, etc
forgive my mistake, I meant A1, not Q1
I graduated from & even tho I wasn't Marine Sci major, it was cool how those Ss actually went on/in the water
A1 Immersed in an authentic activity that generates multiple learning points.
. Are those experiences so formative? Loved my walks in the woods!
remember this from doing research on community service learning years ago
A1: I think experiences like field trips but with true, deep learning taking place.
can enhance being outside (ex stargazing apps) & help bring a taste of outside in when it might be inaccessible
One of our goals this year was to get out of the classroom more. Some success. Excited to do more next year.
thinking of doing outdoor-nature-imagery-stress mngt activity this Spring with Ss
Have had great collabs with Mississippi Valley Conservancy & over my years here for environ edu
same amazing prof. we didn't do tests or busy work. We designed multicultural lessons for use w/i the community
I agree. https://t.co/mtZfhcfgtz
I remember going on field trips as a S, but they weren't always aligned with something in the classroom. I wish it had been.
lessons had to have a kit that went w/ them, for varying age levels. Went to libraries, museums & schools
Maybe we need to get rid of the rows and columns of desks in classrooms and make it more like out of school spaces.
Yes!!!!! https://t.co/wm4px0iSFC
Maybe we need to get rid of the rows and columns of desks in classrooms and make it more like out of school spaces.
Q2: Is the experience enough? How does one learn through experience?
. AMEN! https://t.co/eTife59GZH
Maybe we need to get rid of the rows and columns of desks in classrooms and make it more like out of school spaces.
A2: I believe that Ss learn through talking/working w/ others. So along w/ exp they share/question/talk w/ others
There's something magic about getting into a canoe adventure w/Ss. Unforgettable.
A2: Ss need help processing the experience and making connections to carry beyond the experience. https://t.co/nMozZ58Tzs
Q2: Is the experience enough? How does one learn through experience?
A2: I view experience as learning in action...not regurgitation https://t.co/gEAMqVMUe8
Q2: Is the experience enough? How does one learn through experience?
A2: if the experience is authenic and not just going through the motions. Learning from mistakes is authenic. 1/2
A2 Connect back to classroom activities, explore further beyond directly in that experience https://t.co/mnp4hnm5q0
Q2: Is the experience enough? How does one learn through experience?
oh a million times yes. Engagement, curiosity, wonder.
A2 experience leading to action...what will Ss do now? Trying to incorporate more out of box thinking to empower Ss!
A2: Depends on the experience. Some require more learning than others.
One of my favorite parts of working at summer camp was leading canoe trips with the 5th & 6th graders!
A2: 2/2 But following a list of steps given to you to complete an activity is not authenic, that is more like compliance.
A2cont Also, reflection & sharing things learn & those reflections
. And therein lies the essential value of the teacher/facilitator - no machine can perform this task.
A2) I've found that reflection is a huge component to learning through experiences!!
Agree! Survival & adventure skills as standards...that's what I'm talking about. Fantastic stuff.
forgot to check in...hello tweeps!
and duct tape. make sure you have duct tape!
And this reminds us of the very human factor of our work. The things that can't be replaced. https://t.co/HDSr8sTx7f
. And therein lies the essential value of the teacher/facilitator - no machine can perform this task.
A2) Along with reflection is summarizing the experience & what you learned from the experience. I like my Ss to blog to reflect
hey, Tina! I think I almost did, too. glad you are here for
In a rural setting, taking Ss away from their setting for an activity can create a life time memory and a learning exp.
is a tool to be used by Ts & Ss, not a replacement for Ts! https://t.co/uHfAOqVOfd
And this reminds us of the very human factor of our work. The things that can't be replaced. https://t.co/HDSr8sTx7f
. And therein lies the essential value of the teacher/facilitator - no machine can perform this task.
and maybe one of the most important aspects after the actual experiences.
A2: EIAG: Experience, Internalize, Analyze, Generalize. After each experience.
Yes. And often folks assume that all rural Ss have had deep experiences w/the natural world. Wrong! Many? Never.
Problem-, Place-, Project- based, Experiential, Service Learning. They make sense. Should be norm, not exception.
So true. Kids just aren't playing outside anymore. Such a huge loss. https://t.co/dukdtfOFls
Yes. And often folks assume that all rural Ss have had deep experiences w/the natural world. Wrong! Many? Never.
. My school, , just did that w/ our G7 Ss. We went on a 4-day experience on Cape Cod w/
Truth! Our Ss love heading into Boston, MA Big city! Lots to see & experience! https://t.co/jrGKWcXLzO
In a rural setting, taking Ss away from their setting for an activity can create a life time memory and a learning exp.
How do we get this so incredibly jumbled or lost or un-prioritized in edu? I realize $ but still...
My son loves playing outside as much as his video games. It boils down to curiosity & desire to explore
Q3: The greatest talent of an experiential educator lies in framing the experience - how can or do teachers do the same?
Love those trips experiences, too.
product of industrialization. Great book by Will Richardson, Freedom to Learn.
but even in our post-indust realizations, we can't seem to right the ship. great read for sure.
A3: Interest from teacher helps, asking questions & not giving answers, not saying there is a right/wrong to the Ss experience
That is a great opport. Our MS has taken students to China. Quite a cultural awakening!
True. Two weeks ago I asked Ss if they went outside during lunch. S said you mean the "outernet"?
A3: I think you can explain what can go right, but also what can go wrong, so Ss understand that learning gets messy!
But I believe there's hope. It's starting small, but more & more are getting on board. It may take a while.
A3 Framing begins with intentions & connections. If at all possible, encourage community voices into planning & support.
Oh FL benefits! How might school spaces be in order to allow more of this everywhere?
yes, and btw, my daughter loved that book! Now she teaches 3rd grade!
. Great observation! Experiences are deeply personal - who are we to say that their lens is out of focus?
. I'd ROFL, if it weren't so sadly true...
This. So important. Every lens. Every human. Look through others' lenses, share the scopes. https://t.co/Tf0q0fzoAd
. Great observation! Experiences are deeply personal - who are we to say that their lens is out of focus?
Ss would love picnic tables outside & more time for recess. Our Ss get 30min combined
We could take the smallest of steps to get students out into their worlds. Recess is huge.
Q4: How can we foster an environment where it is safe for Ss & Ts to take the risks necessary to experience and grow?
A4: Model being a risk-taker & share failures. Stop treating Ss like they aren't capable human beings. Give choice & voice
Leaders take risks, show it's ok to "fail" - try until you get it right. Model, model, model https://t.co/utWVP1AJYH
Q4: How can we foster an environment where it is safe for Ss & Ts to take the risks necessary to experience and grow?
A4: transparency is key...demonstrate growth & learning thru actions
Implement & Go for it! Huge S engagement & growth! https://t.co/5rzvNt8ln7
Q4: How can we foster an environment where it is safe for Ss & Ts to take the risks necessary to experience and grow?
A4: lead by example. https://t.co/mvBwm0vjvx
Q4: How can we foster an environment where it is safe for Ss & Ts to take the risks necessary to experience and grow?
A4: This is hard because Ss will not want to look foolish in front of their peers. I try to "make mistakes" in front of them.
Great chatting with Everyone! Early wake-up & it's past my time! See u next time!
. Sometimes the best experiences are the ones we find for ourselves! These are great vehicles for self-discovery!
A4 Helping students embrace growth through experience & teachers embrace nontrad methods of assessments can foster risk taking
How you react to your peers' (fellow Ts & staff) mistakes will affect how they react https://t.co/uaP0TAjVb5
A4: This is hard because Ss will not want to look foolish in front of their peers. I try to "make mistakes" in front of them.
. There are many paths, rarely do the interesting ones lead in a straight line!
A4 Schools might take experiential ed opportunities to ALL Ss & Ts, not just "those" Ss, "those Ts, "those" classes.
. As a nontrad myself, this idea resonates with me!
Make it a standard part of all as well as T & staff
experiential PD can really bond edus & strengthen culture.
if not now, when? Get them out into their world. They may very well love it & themselves a little more.
A5: I believe the time is now, and that the need is more critical than its ever been. Been doing a little
I'm in and out dealing with kids and showers and homework!
A5 cont'd: The problems Dewey noted in the 20th century are the same ones we see today. But maybe just maybe the time has come.
Q5: Change isn't going to be easy. People often fear what is different. But it's what's best for the Ss. We must push on!
As we head out on our own journeys from tonight, here are some words from Henry David Thoreau: https://t.co/W5gqITVWGa
