Education for Growth

First off I wanted to add this video that advocates for the Eco-justice program. The video at the conference was very inspirational and pulled at my heart strings. I also think that the music to the video goes along very nicely was we near the end of our term. I hope that you enjoy it, perhaps while you read.

 

As the term is coming to a busy end, I have spent some time reflecting on what we have learned in class in comparison to what we see and learn in our co-op schools. In class we learn about progressive ways to approach teaching; however this is often not what we are seeing. I was encouraged at the recent event that was planned for our Education 315 class. We went to a panel discussion on Place-based pedagogies at the Saskatoon Public School Division Board Office. Here there were some really great speakers who talked about bringing the curriculum alive for students. There were some really memorable speakers such as Michael Gatin who talked about the importance of reciprocity, interconnectedness, stewardship, and harmony. I was captivated by his message. His message was short and clear, yet I could reflect on it for hours. I often only hear the word stewardship when it is connected to Christian teachings and faith. Gatin’s use of stewardship was really significant because it ties people to our land and the word “stewardship” resonated with me well after the program. Mel Sysing and Dustin Kasun Eco-justice program was inspirational as well. The whole time I could not stop thinking about why there are not many more programs like this one. I would have loved to be in a program like that when I was a grade 8 student and I am sure my students in my co-op school would benefit from these programs. Sheelah McLean’s grade 12 global citizenship class was a great example of how learning can become motivational, interconnected, and authentic. These are the classes that are incorporating the progressive teaching methods that we learn about.

The Eco-Justice promotional video also asked the questions, “does your education motivate you?” and “does it inspire you?” I think my answer, at this point in my student career, would be different depending on what day it might be. I unfortunately do not think that many students are inspired and motivated by the education they are receiving today. I hope that I can stay motivated in the hopes that one day I can help students become inspired. For myself, my current education has begun to give me the tools that I need to become a stronger teacher candidate. I look forward to growing and learning more about myself and about education.  It is these moments, when the students from the Eco-Justice program were so inspiring through their success, that lift my spirits and remind me about why I am pursuing this path. I hope that all of our struggles make us stronger and that we can always remember why we are doing this, for our students who are interconnected with everyone and everything.