(This post is a work in progress.)
An important part of becoming a "naturalist" is to be able to interpret nature and communicate knowledge with others. I will be gathering ideas here on how to give engaging and memorable presentations for environmental outreach activities and interpretative talks.
Based on an experience I had in an informal class learning about Participatory Methods for Community Development, I want to explore Paulo Freire's methods for adult education. The class was designed to prepare a group of students for international aid work and was run by a dynamic couple who used his methods of Experential Education in the class for our benefit. Freire's philosophy was also adopted by civil rights leaders to train activists as it an empowering tool.
One of the main tenants is maintaining an open dialogue between the students and the "teacher" or facilitator. There is an assumption that the students are not devoid of knowledge, so there will be a robust exchange between the two parties.
The facilitator poses problems which are solved together through dialogue and questioning. The facilitator can also create situations where the students skills of observation are exercised. These activities help develop the student's critical thinking skills.
Ecopedagogy movement....
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