Preparation is Key for Success

This week I had some good experiences to prepare me for the hectic schedules and crazy days that would be coming my way in the month of April. This week I was able to cover numerous different tasks, broadening my knowledge of what a teacher has to accomplish in a non-formal setting.

This week, I was able to involve myself with some great observations, and being able to observe some of the interns who teach the different programs at Shaver's Creek. This Monday, as usual, we had our weekly staff meeting. I was a little more ready for this one, and knew what was going to happen. I didn't realize this during the first staff meeting, but this was the reflection time from the past week and how everyone is growing professionally in our respective fields. As we went around the table, I could see the intensity, but also the fun everyone was having with their words. I realized that Mondays are truly about reflection, and preparation for the upcoming week.

On Tuesday, I received some guidance on the different stages of programs and the other parts of Shaver's Creek Educational programs. I was able to look through the supplies and do a mini inventory of the items and specific teaching tools they use throughout the programs. It was interesting to compare how a regular classroom is set up, with supplies, and the nature center in general. It was a good learning experience and I realized these educators here at Shaver's Creek are VERY SIMILAR to agriculture educators with their resourcefulness and combination of  
multiple disciplines/skills.

Wednesday was a fun day, and I was even able to help out and throw in some of my teaching pedagogy. I was observing a Sensory Walk, which deals with a group of students going into the woods with an instructor and experiencing environmental education in the field. There ended up being a larger group than anticipated, so the groups had to be broken up on the spot during the morning. One of the group facilitators got stuck with the bulk of the students, and I was not sure why this was the case. As I walked around completing observations, I saw she was having the most trouble. So I made the decision to stay with her and help out wherever I could. I helped with group management, and even chimed in from time to time with some information. It was a good time throughout the day, and I showed great flexibility through the day.

Thursday was another day I would be working along side the teaching staff, but I was also logistically keeping everyone on track and coordinating the flow of the whole program. Sometimes, I think it is actually harder to complete the logistics of a lesson then actually teaching it. This was definitely one of those days. The morning was brisk and cold, and none of us wanted to be outside. There was an urgency to change the program so it could be indoors, and the brainstorming session occurred. Every one of us showed great poise and creativity to figure this situation out, and we made a great plan. I made sure everyone was on time and where they were supposed to be, while also keeping the learning environment warm and comfortable for learning. The coordination side of programs is very interesting to me, but it is very stressful compared to just teaching one single station the whole day.

The next couple days went by without any hiccups or trepidations. But, come Sunday, I was back at it bright and early. Part of my student teaching is completed by doing a week as a Learning Group Leader for the Shaver's Creek Program Outdoor School. We take students to a camp for a week, and teach them about experiential education and the environment. We were able to see the wonderful facilitation techniques that are used so effectively as LGLs, even with the horrible weather. Yet again, our plans had to change and we were inside most of the day keeping away from the cold. This teaching environment issue is something I didn't notice as much in the classroom, but outside in a non formal setting, it really can make a difference in how you approach a lesson. We had a full day of learning and activities, and by the end I was exhausted from the intake of information.

This week, I made some very interesting connections to teaching and the environment around us. I understood better how to be flexible with a program and how to, even when you have doubts, to trust the people who work with you. The team I worked with was amazing, and that cooperation reminded me of the   Pennsylvania Ag Ed Family..

It was a pleasure to write for you.