Category Archives: experiential learning

Apr
06
2024

Teaching in Boundless Life, Syros

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Traditional classroom teaching is not my cup of tea. As a nature lover, I prefer and value the learning opportunities provided by a range of activities conducted outside the classroom. After a long period serving typical elementary schools and language centers where I couldn’t completely fit, I am lucky enough to be an educator at Boundless Life Education and practice my passion for outdoor learning. Regular residential visits, frequent field trips, interactive scavenger hunts and investigations conducted in the local area are a few of the various hands-on experiences included in the curriculum.

The advantages and benefits of educational adventures beyond the school premises are numerous. When they are an integral element of the long-term curriculum and closely linked to the classroom teaching, these experiences contribute significantly to raising academic achievement and improving pupils’ personal, social and emotional development. By participating in group excursions students build stronger bonds with their classmates, create fond memories and share special moments. Their understanding and learning on any given topic is greatly enhanced when they are actively engaged in workshops and creative activities as all their senses are involved in the process.

Students interviewing a local farmer in Syros island.

Visit to a local store to taste and study traditional Greek food products.

Jun
01
2022

Kindergarten!? …Shh! I have a plan…

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This academic year (2021- 2022) I had the opportunity to introduce English to preschoolers at four different Kindergartens, leading classes as large as 22 students. Having no prior experience with the little ones, I was incredibly excited and absolutely terrified when I found out I was going to teach 4-year-old learners. “How am I going to hold the attention of a room full of active, restless and curious little minds while wearing a face mask?” (COVID times you see). But I quickly got the hang of it and enjoyed every single day.

Here are some of the storybooks and songs which became a real hit in my kindergarten sessions this year:

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
Jumping in Muddy Puddles
I See Something Blue
Put On Your Shoes
I am a mole and I live in a hole
Let’s Go To The Zoo
Skidamarink A Dink A Dink
A Sailor Went To Sea
WOW! Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood
Animated Short Film “Hey Deer!” by Ors Barczy
STUCK by Oliver Jeffers
SHHH we have a plan! by Chris Haughton
You Can’t Take an Elephant on the Bus by Patricia Cleveland-Peck, David Tazzyman

May
15
2018

Learning on the move

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The most important learning occurs when you are on the move, adventure-lovers claim. But, what if you make the same familiar journey knowing -more or less- what to expect?

To my great surprise, participating in the “Learning on the move” training course for youth workers on 05 – 13 May 2018, in the countryside of Lithuania was a fruitful experience full of surprises.

Initially, having attended previous similar training courses made me feel more comfortable since I was familiar with the approach, methodology and the digital tools used to design educational outdoor adventures. It was like the feeling when you drive your own car. But, this time instead of sitting at the back, I had the opportunity to sit in the front seat and be more involved in facilitating the learning process of less experienced group members. I enjoyed observing, assisting and supporting newcomers in the field while designing expeditions using Actionbound app

It was important for me to share and discuss my past practices and insights from the previous training. I appreciated the chance to interact with the same trainers, express my own experiences of Expedition for educational purposes, discuss further the implications with them and ask for their advice on practical issues.

Sep
22
2016

My summer teaching experience

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What a summer! 70 sunny days in Sifnos.

Travelling back home physically exhausted after 70 sunny, hot and most of the times windy days in Cyclades, I am diving into self-reflection while looking back at the numerous photos I took the last couple of months. Overwhelmed by positive feelings, I am completely grateful for the experience I gained during my summertime in this small lovely island with its charming architecture.

A doubtful professional step surprisingly turned out to be an amazing and rewarding job, proving to myself that I am more skilful than I previously thought in non-traditional teaching. I realised that by relaxing and allowing students to guide the lessons, I can achieve the greatest teaching aims. Yes, fun experiential learning does miracles with students! Yes, books and pens can be easily replaced by the cheapest and simplest materials. Yes, nature can be an excellent open-air classroom offering dozens of learning opportunities. Yes, non-formal education is my passion! Have a taste of the course here

Stepping out of my comfort zone once again in my life, re-energised me deeply. I ‘ve missed this process of loading my car with belongings, driving roughly 400 km south plus a long ship journey and travelling to an unfamiliar place with a mixed feeling of anticipation and stress. But once again my choice of moving short-term to a less comfortable zone proved to be a wise one!

I enjoyed everything and appreciated each day. I rented a remote traditional house and called it summer home. I felt welcome by warm and generous hosts who spoiled me with tasty homemade food. I got used to the sound of strong wind. I cherished tasting a plethora of local dishes. I developed driving skills while passing through incredibly narrow paths. I was lucky to have job partner who supported and financed even my craziest ideas. I enjoyed practising yoga outdoors gazing at the Aegean sea. I took pleasure in swimming directly after work. I tried to photo shoot professionally with no luck. I overcame my fear of dogs. I treaured acting silly with my students. I had the chance to get my hands dirty (I really hate it) by trying pottery art. I interacted with local people and attending a dozen of religious festivities (the most delicious free food ever!). I was thrilled watching the full moon reflecting on the dark sea seated on the edge of the cliff. I was glad watching the sun rising after clubbing with friends. I felt peaceful watching streaky pink sunsets at the tophill. I made so many new friends, both Greeks and international, and built personal relationships wishing for them to last. I liked hosting people and re-connecting with old friends. And of course I left some unticked boxes from the “Sifnos-to-do-list” to hopefully check them next summer.

I am returning home with a long-lasting suntan, sun-damaged hair, a bit slimmer and totally fed up with packing suitcases. But after all, it was a summer well-spent which leads me to the next version of myself!