Experiential Learning in Tenerife: Through Nature and History

Description

Have you ever found it difficult to connect to dry scientific or historical texts? Have you found your mind drifting away when listening to presentations on facts, figures, and numbers? How about your students?

If this is the case, Experiential Learning might be the answer.

This course will introduce participants to the concept and practice of experiential learning taking as a case study the amazing natural history and fascinating cultural heritage of the Canary Islands.

By leaving the classroom and going out there, through fun, outdoor activities, participants will experience the main principles and benefits of Experiential Learning – learning by doing!

Participants will examine the landscape shaped by incredible forces of nature, learn about the unique world of plants and animals, discover places of historical interest, and learn ancient skills that were almost lost to history.

By the end of this course, they will better be able to appreciate the uniqueness of the natural world and rich cultural heritage of these islands, as well as gain insight into how to apply experiential learning to make their teaching more inclusive and fun.

Concept by Maja Balcerzyk

Learning outcomes

The course will allow the participants to:

• Understand the principles of experiential learning and be able to apply them to their context;
• Make academic content more accessible to mixed-ability groups;
• Make classes more inclusive and appropriate for students with special needs;
• Experience ‘outdoor learning’, using it to make history come alive, and reflect on its potential benefits/challenges;
• Appreciate the fascinating natural history and rich cultural heritage of the Canary Islands
• Consider how best to prepare for field trips and excursions to make the most of the experience for learners.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course and to experiential learning

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Introduction to theories of Experiential Learning Cycle and Multiple Intelligences for enhanced learning.

Day 2 – Life on the coast

• Excursion to the coastal nature reserve of Malpaís de Guimar;
• Exploration of the volcanic rock formations and geological history: magmatic dikes, coastal caves, lava flows;
• Learning and reflecting on local history, myths and legends.

Day 3 – Life in the mountains

• Excursion to a mountain village in the Anaga region;
• Living history: Investigating regional and Canary history with involving outdoor activities
• Exploration of local history and Canary flora, both emblematic and invasive species.
• Opportunity to stay on and try typical Canary food and wine in a local restaurant.

Day 4 – Aboriginal people of the Canary Islands

• Experiential learning at the Museum of Nature and Archeology (MUNA) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
• how to make a visit to a museum more productive and involving;
• Investigating the mysterious origins and fascinating culture of the aboriginal people.

Day 5 – Closing the cycle

• Return to the experiential learning cycle;
• Personal reflection on the week’s experience: think and plan next steps in participants’ own contexts;
• Group expression: select and apply multiple intelligences to present participants’ experience to others.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

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