As an experiential teacher myself for corporations and communities, I notice when real learning is happening. I see people's minds engage in the subject and ideas fly then stick.I used this presentation
The last time I had taught middle school was as part of an after-school program in Brooklyn eight years ago. It is true that this audience in Bend might be a little more forgiving than a set of New York City students who were required to be in my class because of their remedial needs. I had no idea what was going to happen.
Today I received an email from their teacher. She forwarded a computer game
I have to thank their team Jamison who leads her students toward their interests with gentle encouragement. I saw her skill during my 2 hours with her class. She jumped right into the group activity. She encouraged each person in her group of students to keep exploring how their ideas might be made into real life things. I was in awe of her ability to be in the moment like a kid herself, not trying to teach. She just watched and asked questions of the kids. Or clarified things with me. Her curiosity was contagious for the 7th and 8th graders in her small group.
As a teacher, we learn so much from watching how other teacher's work. For anyone who has taught middle school knows this can be a tough time. I admire this school - it's passionate students and devoted teachers. Keep on greening!
