EDUC 5843 - Learning Ecology - Make the space your own, take ownership!

The discussion today about learning ecology revolved around how one can and should take ownership of the learning environments that they create without fear of ridicule.  Using the design process model, we have been able to look at lesson planning in a whole new light for some and to also look at the "big picture" that influences our thoughts about how things are designed, but more importantly, "why" they are designed the way they are.

The text of the Third Teacher,  has core constructs of the development of community, meaningfulness(critical thinking) and the importance a learning environment that fosters effective learning for both students and teacher.  All of these components have central focus and application in real world situations. For instance, today I had the opportunity to attend the Wolfville Farmer's Market taste of the valley.  The experience of community was definitely evident as streams of people entered the market to share stories with friends and colleagues.  Meaningful conversations about place, space and time were happening all over the place as I enjoyed a cabbage roll made by a Moroccan, a banh mi sandwich from Vietnam and some bangers and mash from our friends across the pond, the UK.  This multicultural atmosphere lends itself to creating meaningful understanding of place and community in a this corner of the world known as Wolfville, Nova Scotia.  The design of the market fostered a positive environment for learning, sharing and living in space that allowed for community and critical thinking.

What a great experience!