#adventurebasedexperientialeducation

[adedemmalee-blog]

Reflecting on Experiential Education

·       Let’s go back to the bridge from my first post in this series. Imagine that you need to climb over the side of the bridge and rappel down to the bottom, next to a waterfall. Why on earth would you ever do this? Rappelling 40 feet to the rocky ground below? Why would you do this? Your mind settles on a short phrase with lengthy words – adventure-based experiential education.

·       To be honest, this was an actual experience I had, back in 2012. What did I, as an instructor learn that day? I learned quite a few things. One that there will always be things that students can learn outside of a classroom and perhaps only there. Skills like trust and trustworthiness, teamwork and how to work collaboratively, and helping to develop skills like respect and communication. The students also learn technical skills – knot tying, belaying, rappelling, gear information/terminology and safety procedures.

·       I saw it firsthand. My students were the ones responsible for my safety as I climbed over the side of the bridge, and I had to trust my own instructional skills that day. Teaching students how to tie knots, instructing them on belaying procedures, how to remain safe and utilize gear information. But most importantly, how to have fun while remaining safe. Had I not utilized all of my instructional plans that day, I could have been in far worse shape. But, those experiences were such a success.

·       I am so thankful for the experiences that I have been blessed to develop with co-facilitators. I am also thankful that I have always allowed my personal instructional philosophy to shine, despite the fact that it isn’t always easy. Because, in all honesty, seeing even one student shine in the context of experiential education, makes it all worthwhile. But, the most important thing? Seeing students have hope and believe in themselves when they succeed in this context, and translating it to their lives in other aspects.