Learn Outside: Rising Together to Disrupt the Status Quo in Educaiton

By Candy E Van Buskirk

Learn Outside: Rising Together to Disrupt the Status Quo in Education is a revolutionary exploration of the current state of education and the urgent need for t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Manuscripts LLC
• Release date: Mar 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798885043755

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Learn Outside

Rising Together to Disrupt the Status Quo in Education

Candida VanBuskirk, PhD

Manuscripts Press

Copyright © 2021 Candida VanBuskirk, PhD

All rights reserved.

Learn Outside

Rising Together to Disrupt the Status Quo in Education

ISBN

979-8-88926-019-6 Paperback

979-8-88504-374-8 Hardcover

979-8-88504-375-5 Ebook

Table of Contents

Introduction

History of American Education and Experiential Learning

Voices in Education: Unleashing the Power of Experiential Learning in Education

Unleashing Wonder: The Journey of Curiosity in K–8 Experiential Learning

Journeys Beyond the Classroom: Unraveling the Fabric of Experiential Learning and Whole-Child Education in Grades 9–12

Trailblazing the Future: The Evolution and Impact of Work-based Learning at Career Academy Network of Public Schools

Empowering Futures through the Synergy of Partnerships and Experiential Learning

Beyond the Walls of the Classroom: Unveiling the Future of Education through Experiential Journeys

Acknowledgements

APPENDIX

Introduction

On November 10, 2022, under the Californian sun, my understanding of education underwent a profound shift. We were welcomed by a vibrant, confident teacher who brimmed with enthusiasm, eager to unveil the remarkable learning journey happening within their student community. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, akin to what a parent experiences when their child achieves a long-awaited victory against all odds.

She was a former student of mine—Dana. As I looked at her, I saw the remarkable transformation she had undergone from her days as a lanky, unsure freshman, disenchanted with the traditional school system. She was clear proof that experiential learning worked.

So, why experiential learning—and how?

The answers are both clear and compelling. As educators, administrators, parents, and students navigate the complexities of modern education, it becomes glaringly evident that the status quo is no longer tenable. Traditional pedagogical models are failing to harness the limitless potential within each student, leaving in their wake a trail of disengagement and unrealized dreams. In a world perpetually in motion, it’s essential to pause, look around, and acknowledge the winds of change sweeping through our educational landscapes. In fact, the motivation behind crafting this book, Learn Outside: Rising Together to Disrupt the Status Quo in Education, is deeply rooted in a fundamental belief: Every student deserves an education that not only equips them with knowledge but also empowers them to become architects of their own learning journey.

The history of experiential learning, while not widely acknowledged, has been gradually shaping the way we view education. Emerging in the mid-twentieth century, experiential learning was championed by educational reformers who believed in learning by doing. Visionaries like John Dewey (1933) emphasized the importance of engaging students in real-world experiences to enhance their education.

However, it was David A. Kolb who crystallized the concept of experiential learning in the 1970s. His work laid the foundation for the modern understanding of this approach. Kolb’s model, known as the Kolb Cycle, outlines the four stages of experiential learning: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. This framework became a guiding light for educators seeking to shift from passive to active learning.

Throughout the decades, experiential learning has found its champions in various educational settings. Schools like High Tech High and institutions such as the Career Academy Network of Public Schools have embraced this approach. These educational pioneers recognize that experiential learning prepares students for the complexities of the modern world.

Educators like Dave Ebersol understand the urgency for change. He emphasizes, We’re in an era where memorization and standardized tests fall short of preparing our students for the dynamic world they’ll face. Experiential learning is the bridge to that future. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, experts like Michael Fullan, the global director at the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning, and Tom Vander Ark, the founder of Getting Smart, underscore the importance of experiential learning in aligning education with the demands of the workforce. Fullan notes, Experiential learning equips students with not just knowledge but the critical skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing job market. Vander Ark adds, It’s about personalized, project-based learning that empowers students to navigate the complexities of the twenty-first century.

More importantly, Dr. Marilyn Nash, the maker manager at Career Academy Network of Public Schools, shares, Experiential learning levels the playing field for all students; it’s not just about the highflyers excelling. Even students who struggle in the traditional classroom find their footing in an experiential learning model. They become creators, collaborators, and problem solvers, blossoming with a newfound confidence that traditional settings couldn’t nurture. The excitement to explore and create is transformative, as third grader Addison eloquently puts it, I love being an engineer. Dr. Nash adds, Our students are ready for something more. Experiential learning isn’t just a method; it’s an awakening of curiosity, a spark that ignites a lifelong love of learning.

Indeed, the time is ripe for change. Experiential learning isn’t a mere trend; it’s a beacon of innovation in education. It places students at the helm of their educational journey, prepares them for the dynamic challenges of the future, and ensures that no dream remains unrealized. In the chapters that follow, we’ll delve deeper into the revolutionary power of experiential learning, exploring real-world examples, strategies, and voices that underscore why this approach is not just timely but imperative.

Our current system, for all its merits, often diminishes the vibrant curiosity that children naturally possess. It compartmentalizes knowledge into rigid silos, dampening the very spark that fuels authentic learning. Tala, a bright student at Career Academy Network of Public Schools, pipes up enthusiastically, Experiential learning lets you feel and see what you’re learning, going beyond just listening. It’s like getting a taste that helps you remember. It’s about experiencing, not just hearing, to discover your true interests.

In tandem with this, teachers find themselves working tirelessly within the confined walls of classrooms, facing a daunting challenge: how to breathe life into conventional curricula that have become increasingly disconnected from the evolving needs of our world. Mr. Kusnierek, a dedicated precision machining teacher, shares his perspective, In the machine shop, we prioritize job skills and recognize the importance of understanding each student’s learning habits. I firmly believe that every engineer should experience hands-on manufacturing before graduating. This class makes you a better engineer because it goes beyond theory. Hands-on is crucial, even from a young age. You can read about shapes and colors, but when you hold them, you truly remember.

These voices highlight the urgency of shifting toward experiential learning as the traditional model falls short in nurturing student curiosity and preparing them for the complex demands of the modern world.

Disparities persist across racial, cultural, and socioeconomic lines, casting a long shadow over the ideal of equity in our society. Many children and adolescents, despite their potential, find themselves held back by circumstances beyond their control. The dream of accessing impactful learning experiences often remains out of reach for these bright minds.

Partnerships in education, often under-appreciated, act as potent conduits for real-world, hands-on learning, echoing the wisdom of It takes a village. These collaborations connect educational institutions with external organizations, like businesses and nonprofits, to enrich student experiences. At the Career Academy Network of Public Schools, we’ve harnessed this power by opening a K–5 elementary school in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club. This partnership underscores our dedication to offering students unique, experiential learning opportunities that transcend traditional classrooms.

But perhaps the most compelling catalyst for writing this book is the undeniable truth that students are not vessels to be filled with knowledge; they are the drivers of their own journeys. It’s a truth that has been illuminated time and again through personal experiences, with none more poignant than the story of Dana Handley.

Like many high school students, she grappled with self-esteem issues, her confidence often veiled beneath layers of adolescent uncertainty. The daily grind of the traditional classroom rarely resonated with her, a sentiment shared by countless students worldwide.

Yet, Dana possessed an innate curiosity, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that lay dormant within her. She found affirmation and engagement not in textbooks but in the extracurricular pursuits that allowed her to shine. She was also a pillar of support for her peers, celebrating their successes and spreading positivity throughout her school community.

What turned Dana’s life around, catalyzing her evolution from a tentative teenager to a confident educator, was the power of experiential learning and meaningful relationships. Connecting her passions with real-world experiences marked a turning point in her journey.

Dana’s transformation was marked by learning experiences that stretched beyond the walls of the traditional classroom. In Costa Rica, during a mission trip, she learned the importance of compassion and service as she worked in orphanages, painted, cleaned, and conducted basketball clinics for children. This experience broadened her horizons and instilled in her a sense of empathy, connecting her with a global perspective.

The journey to Seville, Spain, as part of her Spanish class, allowed Dana to live with host families from the host school. Her close relationship with her Spanish teacher, Ms. Weidenmiller, who was also the assistant basketball coach, provided her with a supportive environment. This cultural experience of food, language, education, and customs fused her passion for athletics with academics, leading to a shift in her understanding of her future.

Through these hands-on, culturally immersive experiences, Dana not only gained academic insights but also developed a deeper sense of self. She began to understand how her interests and passions could be intertwined, setting her on a trajectory toward a career that she was genuinely passionate about. These experiences acted as catalysts, transforming her from a student struggling to find her place into a confident educator and leader dedicated to the principles of experiential learning.

These experiences altered the course of her life. Dana, once a student struggling within the traditional system, found her calling as a physical education teacher and coach. Her story stands as a testament to the potential that lies within every student, waiting to be awakened through experiential learning.

Finally, as a student, educator, and administrator, I myself have reaped the advantages of experiential learning and teaching. The rich tapestry of my twenty-five-year career in education is a story of metamorphosis, empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to leveling the educational playing field for all students. As you read Learn Outside, it’s crucial to understand why I am not merely passionate about the subject but uniquely equipped to explore the realm of experiential learning.

The roots of Learn Outside extend back to my formative years in Mrs. Gray’s sixth-grade classroom at Waynesfield-Goshen Elementary School, nestled in the heart of rural Ohio. It was a world of traditional, direct instruction until Mrs. Gray introduced a project that wove together ancient civilizations, intertwining social studies and English. As such, she sowed the seeds of experiential learning within me. My inaugural taste of education went beyond the restrictions of textbooks and lectures, leaving an indelible mark on my soul.

My journey in education began in the fast-paced arena of postsecondary education, where I served as an educator and collegiate basketball coach for six years. This early experience instilled in me a deep understanding of the value of mentorship, discipline, and the profound impact educators can have on their students’ lives. However, it was my transition to high school education that signaled the beginning of my journey toward disruptive innovation.

For eight years, I stood at the frontlines as a high school biology and chemistry teacher and varsity basketball coach. During this time, I witnessed the stark disparities that exist within our education system. While some students thrived, others languished, often due to a one-size-fits-all approach that failed to cater to their unique needs. I began to explore the potential of experiential learning in these classrooms.

My path through the educational landscape, first as the assistant superintendent and director of secondary education at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and now in my current role at the Career Academy Network of Public Schools, has significantly shaped my vision for educational transformation. At Godfrey-Lee, I witnessed firsthand the promise of innovation for equity and the joy it brought to learning. This experience was a testament to the power of educational reform in nurturing not just academic success but also a deeper, more joyful engagement in learning. It highlighted the immense potential that lies in rethinking and reshaping educational systems to be more equitable and innovative.

Transitioning to the Career Academy Network of Public Schools, my belief in the necessity of educational disruption only strengthened. It’s an environment where experiential learning isn’t just a concept but a daily reality, spanning from kindergarten to twelfth