- how these ideas interact with your own hopes and concerns about taking up the profession of teaching
- what images and metaphors you take away from the reading
- things you agree and disagree with, wonder about and/or can extend to other ideas about teaching in a fast-changing and uncertain world.
I think we have been out in the garden a lot, probably more than what some of us would do in a entire year by now. What I find interesting is that when I look around my place, we have boxes and drawers and rectangular beds and desks and all of that, and never once did I pause to say oh that’s too many grids in my sight. We like to plan, to put things into sorted bins and I argue that some it is human nature. We like to be organized, predictable, and with groups in a grid like fashion for safety and comfort.
Granted, sometimes it is something of a past relic, like how we just love eating loads of fat and sugar because it was good for survival but likely not when it’s so easily available now. I would say that much of the classroom structure suggests some kind of power hierarchy, where teachers stand in front and are in charge of everything and everyone else listens. Taking them outside that environment, whether it’s inside or outside, and take interactive activities and maybe interacting with some natural presence can be a great way to foster a sense of community and students ability to be an empowered student on their learning journey.
I like the contrast of the images between the orchard garden and typical school setups, where desks and doors and hallways are all painted white and bleach and straight lines. The garden does not pose the same structure, yet we find just as much comfort if not more having our feet in the soil.
Some questions remain as to whether all students will like the outdoor style of teaching and interaction. Maybe some just like to be orderly, predictable, inside a nicely sheltered place to learn where they do best.
No comments:
Post a Comment