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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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