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Student teaching English to a child in Mongolia
"There is something so amazing about experiencing how people around the world live that gives a person insight into his own life. I learned just how much I love people – I am a people-person and simply love working with, and being around, all different types of people. This trip solidified this fact in my mind. " - Student Reflection
"There is something so amazing about experiencing how people around the world live that gives a person insight into his own life. I learned just how much I love people – I am a people-person and simply love working with, and being around, all different types of people. This trip solidified this fact in my mind. " - Student Reflection
Why global experiences?
Why global experiences?
There has been significant focus in education around 21st century competencies for planning and education. These 21st century competencies include:
- critical thinking and problem solving
- innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship
- learning to learn/self-awareness and self-direction
- collaboration
- communication
- global citizenship and sustainability
A global international experience challenges students outside of the classroom to develop skills to work effectively with others in different cultures and contexts. Trips put students outside of their normal comfort zone where they begin to assess their own life and privilege as Canadians.
Ontario Ministry of Education. (2015). 21st Century Competencies: Foundation Document for Discussion. Retrieved from http://www.ontariodirectors.ca/CODE-TLF/docs/tel/21_century_appendixC_only.pdf
Personal Philosophy
Personal Philosophy
The most important theory influencing my educational philosophy is constructivism. Constructivism suggests that to achieve effective learning, a student cannot simply be expected to accept knowledge passively, but rather needs to internalize and reshape her own learning (Applefield, Huber, & Moallem, 2000).
In constructivism, it is essential for students to build on what they already know in an active learning environment, reframing their existing understanding of the world. In practice, I know that simply standing in front of students teaching lecture-style is not the most effective method of instruction. My pedagogical approach includes experiential education, that bring authentic meaning for students outside of the classroom.
Since the beginning of my teaching career, I have taught in a Round Square international school. This organization of schools is founded on the principles of early twentieth century educator Kurt Hahn. Hahn’s pedagogical philosophy was based in developing well-rounded students through experiential learning, based on six ideals of education: internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure leadership and service.
Applefield, J. M., Huber, R., & Moallem, M. (2000). Constructivism in Theory and Practice: Toward a Better Understanding. The High School Journal, 84(2), 35–53.
Drinking yak milk tea while visiting a nomadic family in Mongolia
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