1. Courtney Vaughan Learning beyond the self: Reciprocal approaches to experiential learning

2. Agenda 1) What is experiential learning? 2) My interactions with experiential learning 3) The importance of a reciprocal approach 4) Problematic practices 5) Commendable techniques

3. Experiential learning is the process of making meaning from direct experience, i.e., "learning from experience". → Concrete Experience ↓ Active Experimentation Reflective Observation ↑ Abstract Conceptualization ←

4. My experiential learning CourseKnowledge gained Katimavik Intercordia: SJPS 3377 Dominican Republic Delegation: SJPS 3397 Intermediate Spanish in Cuba: SPAN 2000 Oral French in Quebec: FRENCH 2506 Community Based Research - Indigenous and Settler Planning in S. Ontario: FNS 4023 Practical Implications of Globalized Trade Food sovereignty in the DR Rural Community Action Implications of Tourism Language acquisition Alternative Systems of Governance and Economies Histories from Marginalized Perspectives

5. A Reciprocal Approach Rupture in the subject/object, actor/acted upon dichotomy: student and community are co-creators of a learning experience Decentralization of perspectives Encourages cultural diversity Multiple holders of knowledge and beneficiaries of knowledge shared Personal/collective gifts and talents to assist in ongoing community efforts Relationships built to extend learning after class

6. Problematic Practices Voyeurism Photos: Western saviour, promotional material without permission, inaccurate stories of the “other”, reinforced gender roles Separation from locals Uninformed travel

7. Commendable Techniques Practical Techniques= Reflective Observations Pre-trip Sessions Extended Time Frame Language Learning Daily Discussion Journals Alone and group time Collaborative Projects with Community Understand your Identity/Privilege Prioritize the Voices of the Marginalized Problematize your Actions Humility Embracing Discomfort

8. “Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning how to learn.” Loris Malaguzzi