Engaging the Heart and the Mind: Expeditionary Learning Teaches the Whole Child
By Diane Demee-Benoit
8/16/07
In addition to its focus on active pedagogy and effective instructional practices, expeditionary learning values the development of the whole child. Self-discovery, collaboration, empathy and caring, diversity and inclusion, and service to community are key design principles in any strong learning adventure.
This short video excerpt focuses on these values as students learn about the history and culture of the Haida people of the Pacific Northwest. Not only will these students remember this history lesson, they will also remember how it made them feel. To read more about this adventure, see "Living History: Carving Cultural Connections."
A good lesson to all teachers
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 24, 2008 - 18:10.
I was very touched by this lesson and the impact it had on the students. Many previous comments mention that it would be impossible to re-create something like this, and for some teachers, that is true. However, what a good lesson to all of us about the quality of our teaching! Often we teach things that students are not interested in, and even telling them the real-life implications does not motivate them. However, children are naturally curious, and if we allow them the opportunity, their learning can be so valuable. Sometimes getting students motivated boils down to making it fun! Students need to be involved from the beginning to end. They need the opportunity to discover things on their own, discuss their learning, and apply it to real life!
Teaching the Whole Child
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on November 26, 2007 - 19:13.
As many people have already stated this is a lesson students will never forget....I know it is not possible but I would love to connect every 6th grade GLE(Grade Level Expectation) to a lesson using the expeditionary-learning approach. You have inspired me to try and incorporate more meaningful & hands-on activities in my class.
I fear I may have lost sight of the fact that as Mary stated it in her September 30th posting "we must remember that life is not a multiple choice test." Teaching students and then allowing them to transfer that knowledge to a hands on experiences is an invaluable adventure they will be able to carry with them throughout thier lives.
Thank You for sharing this "learning adventure" with us!
~AMY
Incredible!
Submitted by Katie (not verified) on November 27, 2007 - 09:41.
This school is refelctive of much of the research out there that in order to make learning meaningful to our students, and not just have it be "schooling," we need to make connections to the lives of our students with the information that we are teaching. This AS1 school is doing just that. Not only are the students learning the information, they are living it as well. What a profound impact these real-life lessons must have on the students. As I watched the video clip, it made me think that this connected way of learning makes so much sense in our world today, where "reality TV" is so popular. Kids and adults alike enjoy living out experiences through other people. Why not allow them to live the experiences out through themselves?!? Kudos to AS1. You know exactly what you are doing, and you are doing it well.
Relating
Submitted by carpenter (not verified) on October 28, 2007 - 10:57.
In junior high school History class was the most enjoyable class for me, even though we never took on projects of this magnitude. I was not even aware that such a project could logistically happen. I am quite pleasantly surprised to witness it. I do whole-heartedly agree with the teacher regarding the hands-on learning style. Relating new knowledge to ourselves on a very personal level will no doubt have a more long lasting impact on our memories. Thank you for sharing!!!!
Question about this school
Submitted by Diane Demee-Benoit on October 16, 2007 - 18:30.
To the reader who asked the questions: "How is an alternative school able to do this? Are alternative schools privately funded?" --
This school is a public school in Seattle. It is able to do "more" than many schools because of the relationships it has forged with commmunity-based organizations which are partners in bringing external educational resources to the students.
Read the edutopia article "Living History: Carving Cultural Connections" and you'll have more context for the school and how it operates this program. The article also includes a link to the school's Web site. The school's Web site goes into great detail about their philosophy and programs. They even invite questions from people who would like to learn more about what they do.
Good luck!
I am intrigued...
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on October 16, 2007 - 13:47.
It was interesting to read the article and watch the video. The students were actively engaged and enjoying the lesson. They will always have a link of making the canoe when thinking of the history lesson. That link is what makes the lesson meaningful. However, for a public school it is not realistic to plan and execute a lesson this involved. It does make me more aware of the kind of lessons and experiences I can can create in my classroom.
Captivating your audiance
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on October 16, 2007 - 13:46.
This lesson was amazing. The students have obviously gained a great deal of knowledge from participating in this activity. Teaching in the public school system in Illinois, teachers do not have the means to carry out such intense lessons.
How is an alternative school able to do this? Are alternative schools privately funded?
Amazing Hands On Learning
Submitted by Steve Green (not verified) on October 21, 2007 - 17:57.
It was interesting and amazing to watch this video and read the article. I am a firm believer that hands on learning is fun, sometimes messy, and builds a foundation that can last a lifetime. I agree with some of other responses that this is a link to the past that makes this lesson very meaningful. I am curious how this could work in other communities and in the public school setting.
Are Teachers Allowed Enough Time for Professional Growth
Submitted by Crystal Dye (not verified) on October 2, 2007 - 19:35.
Hooray for you! This is my first time blogging. I am really impressed with your style of teaching and your students. All of the values that you spoke of in your selection where so easily identifiable in your lesson. The part that touched me the most was the presenting of the canoe.
A new way to look at education
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on October 16, 2007 - 13:58.
I am also a first time blogger and I am very impressed with this lesson. This is a new way to reach students in a real life setting. I think it is great, as a educator, to have the opportunity to search the web and view other teachers lessons. I wish we had the funding in the public schools to let students experience more hands on learning. The children,teachers, and community seemed very proud of the work they had done on the canoe. How neat!?
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