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From a Ryan Brady Photo Philosophy of Experiential Education, OED 371 Instructor: Clayton T. Russsell Philosophy of Experiential Education Winter 2006 Office: Wheeler 326 Class Hours: MWF 10:30-11:20 AM
Phone:
682-1491
Classroom: MELC 233 Email: crussell@northland.edu
SYLLABUS Required Texts Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There. Eyre, Richard The Open Space of Democracy, Williams, Terry T. Last Child in the Woods. Louv, Richard Teaching Spirits, Brown, Joseph Epes Turning to one another. Wheatley, Margaret J.
Recommended Texts . Experience and Education, Dewey, John Lasting Lessons, Knapp, Clifford What Are Schools For, 1997. Miller, R. The Courage to Teach, 1998. Palmer, P. Philosophical Issues in Adventure Education, 1997. Wurdinger, S. Key Concepts in Experiential Education, 1999. Winch, C. and Gingell J. The Theory of Experiential Education, 3rd ed., 1995. Warren, Sakofs and Hunt Controversial Issues in Adventure Education, 1999. Wurdinger, S. and Potter, T. Teaching In the Field. Crimmel, Hal. Editor The Power and Promise of Humane Education, Weil, Zoe
Statement of Philosophy
Experiential education is the process of actively engaging learners in an experience that will have real consequences. Learners make discoveries and experiment with knowledge themselves. Learners also actively reflect on their experiences, thus developing new skills, new attitudes, new theories or way of thinking (Kraft & Sakofs). Experiential education is a process through which a learner constructs knowledge, skill and value from direct experiences and reflection (Association for Experiential Education, 1994).
Course Description
This course is designed to give students a broad theoretical, as well as practical, background in teaching and learning experientially. Concepts presented, experienced, and discussed in this course include the basic premises of experiential learning according to a wide variety of educators and philosophers. Future themes and directions for effective education will also be discussed.
Note: I encourage individuals who have a disability, either permanent or temporary, which may affect your ability to perform in this class, to notify me as soon as possible. Adaptation of methods, materials, or testing may be made as required to provide for equitable participation. Students in need of academic or medical accommodation should contact Judi Holevatz,R.N. extension 1340, room 206 of the Ponzio Student Center.
Intended Learner Outcomes
1. Students will be able to map an overview of the historical, philosophical, social, and psychological foundations of experiential education. 2. Students will use this overview as support for development of a philosophy of education or a personal credo statement. 3. Students will use this overview, course materials, and their own research to develop a persuasive argument for the appropriate use of effective experiential education in varied education settings. 4. Students will be able to identify, discuss and demonstrate innovative and effective instructional techniques in the field of outdoor education and their philosophical origins. 5. Personal learning goals:
Course Assignments
1. Class participation: Participation includes such things as: preparation for class, active involvement in group work, periodic presentations and projects, response papers and finally, positive and thoughtful contributions to group discussions. I do expect you to prepare for and engage in class discussions. I do not expect you to come to class if you are sick or in the midst of a personal emergency. (100 points)
2. Experiential Learning Days: You will be excused from class on four separate days in order to” immerse yourself in four new experiential learning activities.” While you may not be able to actually do these things during those class periods, you are expected to immerse yourself for a minimum of two hours in each event. At the conclusion of each experience, prepare a two-page typed summary with the following categories: a) description of experience, b) contact name and phone number for witness (if appropriate), c) discussion of new knowledge, insights, skills or values and, d) reflection upon details of this experience and how you will use (transfer) this information. These papers will be due one week after the experience day. Learning days will be announced in class. (100 points each)
3. Experiential teaching projects: You will prepare one class and possibly two conference/community presentations relating to: a) experiential learning theories, b) experiential educators or philosophers, c) a topic agreed upon by the class and instructor or d) new and controversial issues in education. After the presentation you will lead the class or conference participants in a follow-up discussion and provide a typed resource sheet on the topic presented. A rubric for assessment of these presentations will be developed by the class. (100 points each/300 points maximum )
4. Mid-term and final exam: Exams will cover readings, classroom presentations and discussions. They will be comprehensive. (100points each)
5. Final project: Final typed statement of your educational philosophy fully supported with references, field research and reflection. Your statement is due on or before the last day of class. You will have the opportunity to construct a first draft for midterm. (100 points)
Course Schedule January 11 Course Overview Loop writing exercise 13 Experiential Teaching and Learning Supplemental Reading 16 Ecology of Relationships Brainstorm Camp Birkie events 18 Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There discussion 20 Survey of Philosophers Finalize Camp Birkie events 23 Ecology of Language 25 Survey of Philosophers 27 Survey of Philosophers 30 EXPERIENCE DAY
February 3 The Open Space of Democracy discussion 6 Survey of Philosophers 8 Survey of Philosophers 10 Survey of Philosophers 13 Evaluating class presentations/more philosophers 15 Last Child in the Woods discussion (Part 1 and 2) 17 Experiential Teaching Projects 20 Experiential Teaching Projects 22 Experiential Teaching Projects 24 EXPERIENCE DAY 27 Last Child in the Woods discussion (Part 3 and 4)
March 1 Brainstorm SOEC presentations ( Mid-session ) 3 Experiential Teaching Projects 6 Last Child in the Woods discussion (Part 5,6 and 7) 8-12 mid session break 13 Teaching Spirits discussion 15 Experiential Teaching Projects 17 Experiential Teaching Projects 20 Experiential Teaching Projects 22 EXPERIENCE DAY 24 Experiential Teaching Projects 27 Experiential Teaching Projects 29 No Class 31 No Class
April 3 Experiential Teaching Projects 5 Experiential Teaching Projects 7 Experiential Teaching Projects 8-10 Departure for SOEC (weekend activity) Duluth,Mn 10 EXPERIENCE DAY 12 turning to one another discussion 14 no class 17 Share ideas from your philosophy of education/credo
Final Exam or Final Project- Date to be announced in class!
* I reserve the right to make modifications to this syllabus and will announce any such changes in class.
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