Ongoing Discussion
November 29, 2006
Click on the post date or comments below to join the conversation.
posted by Jay @ 11/29/2006,
,
Improving Evaluation in Experiential Education - How Far Have We Come?
November 26, 2006
"Although experiential education is really the oldest approach to learning, its practitioners have not had an easy time justifying its relevance in the educational world of the twentieth century...skepticism persists outside the field."
"Recent changes in the methodologies of evaluation, however, have provided useful tools for experiential educators. Such tools can be used to refine programming, enhance student learning, and perhaps improve the credibility of the field--important when organizations compete for limited funding..."
~Bruce Hendricks
Improving Evaluation in Experiential Education by Bruce Hendricks was published over a decade ago (1994), yet, the same hurdle remains before us. How much have we done in the past decade to overcome the lack of credibility.
A central topic of discussion for years at experiential education conferences, the need for more research has been recognized, presented on, and championed throughout our field. Still, many neglect research in their own programs. Reasons vary from lack of know-how, to lack of funding, to a belief that research is for the 'researchers,' to any number of additional crutches. I pose these are all weak reasons for opting out of research.
- Lack of know-how - become educated. Study what's out there and integrate your learning.
- Lack of funding - myth. Research dose not have to be a high priced scholarly work that becomes published. One can begin by tracking information and compiling data on your own with very low costs. Learn about critical areas to track that can make a difference. In time you may find that someone is will to analyze your data for free as part of their own study (many of these options exist already).
- It's for the 'researchers' - label bias. The title becomes affixed to someone when they begin researching and not vice versa. Begin researching your own programs today and affix the label to yourself.
- Additional crutches - similar stories...
Discussion has ensued for over a decade and the lack of research continues to plague our field. We aren't in need of more awareness we are in need of players. What actions are you taking?
posted by Jay @ 11/26/2006,
,
Zoom – Teambuilding Activity
November 17, 2006
Summary (courtesy of Wilderdom)
A group tries to create a unified story from a set of sequential pictures. The pictures are randomly ordered and handed out. Each person has a picture but cannot show it to others. Requires patience, communication, and perspective taking in order to recreate the story's sequence.
Purchase as a ‘teambuilding kit’ for $70
Includes: laminated pages from the picture books; activity guide; facilitation notes.
Do it yourself:
- Buy the actual book new for $11.55 or used for $6.99 at Amazon or other source (may need two for completion)
- Cut out and laminate (optional) pages yourself
- Run activity based on description, activity guide, and facilitation notes at Wilderdom
Total Cost: Not $70
posted by Jay @ 11/17/2006,
,
Initiatives and Games
November 16, 2006
Click on the ‘sneetchball game’
Looking for a new cooperative, initiative, or game chances are you’ll be able to locate one here.
posted by Jay @ 11/16/2006,
,
Word of Mouth
November 14, 2006
A network is by nature completely dependant upon those within the network. It's growth is directly linked to the actions of those involved. The value of your knowledge, your circle of influence, and your ability to inspire others is beyond calculable figures. Help make this netWORK!
Share the Michigan Experiential Network site with...
...colleagues ...
...students...
...clients...
...friends...
...anyone who might have an interest!
posted by Jay @ 11/14/2006,
,
Welcome to the Michigan Experiential Network
November 09, 2006
The place to disseminate news, discuss critical issues, promote events, and network within the field of experiential education in Michigan.
To learn more about all this site has to offer read through the overview posts located in the previous section on the right side of this website.
posted by Jay @ 11/09/2006,
,
Event Notice
November 01, 2006
AEE Michigan Networking Day
is Friday, November 10, 2006.
Click on an event in the calendar below for more information.
posted by Jay @ 11/01/2006,
,