Community Based Learning

November 10, 2023 – Field Trips with Candidates

I’ve asked the EDUC 405 students to write a blog post on the field trips we are taking during our class. Last month we went to the Prince George Public Library and this month we went to the Two Rivers Art Gallery. I loved going to both places with this crew and the learning intention with each of these community based learning experiences is content creation for their e-Portfolios through blogging, to think about how these places can support their practice, and to consider how these places can be part of their students in K-12 learning experiences. I believe going on field trips, including going outside, must have a clear learning intention.

The public library trip also included a follow-up learning activity for EDUC 394 regarding lesson planning, BC’s Curriculum, and (adapted) lesson plan template. We iterated this lesson plan from a collaborative lesson planning experience to an individual one, then with a self/peer assessment process that resembles BC’s new Student Reporting Policy and creating an assessment plan for the lesson plan. I love making these learning experience attach to the learning intention/target and for each student to sense-make through theory and policy with experiences. I’ve been appreciating the idea of community based learning. Learning is not isolated to a classroom or book, but the community offers lots of expertise and resources.

We visited the “Nonreturnables” and the “Dismantled Worlds” exhibits at the Two Rivers Art Gallery which focused on climate anxiety and climate crisis. I thought it was so amazing for me as someone who is trying to learn more about the issues in another project I’m working on, but the context was very inclusive to the K-12 teacher candidates in all subject areas and interests. I was very pleased with the tour, the experience, and the learning. I also appreciated the post-tour creative session. I am learning more about my creativity and it makes me happy to try each time. It’s getting easier and I have a tonne of fun with with… now. It was good to experience that as well as reconnecting with the gallery. It’s my favourite place.

Similarly, going to the Prince George Public Library (PGPL) is always awesome. I learn something new each time I go. This field trip was my third time visiting and I did not realize that they set out books for book clubs. What a genius idea. I am also enamoured by the place and its openness. The final appeal is the ukulele group. Anyway, I appreciate all of the resources at the public library and the services they offer to K-12 schools. I love the idea of all people have the right to read and the strong endorsement to have K-12 students to get their library card. We did the same endorsement with the teacher candidates. I was very pleased with this trip.

If I do my deepest reflection and gratitude, much of this work started with teacher candidates I was working with in EDUC 491 a couple of years ago when the course subdivided into small working groups. My crew was amazing and so willing to try new things in preparation for their 10-week practicum. They helped me to take risks and try new things such as community based learning experiences. That crew helped me to find the courage to do something different and be OK with that. I have only good feelings for that crew. They offered much feedback and created a learning community that was inclusive, caring, and respectful. I felt so lucky.

I am reminded of the brilliance of my practice and I am learning more and more about what it means to be a learner, deliberate practice, and intentionality. TY.