ennis community college presents o.r.b.i.t.acreation of a digital storyboard by using the...
TRANSCRIPT
Ennis Community College Presents O.R.B.I.T.A.L
Background to O.R.B.I.T.A.L. in Ennis Community College Áine Meehan SCP Co-ordinator
n How we got started? – Initial approach from Burren Outdoor Educational Centre – May 2007
n Approach to school Principal n Liaising with necessary support systems – i.e. ECC Staff
– speaking to teachers, getting initial feedback and ultimately support and commitment, timetabling etc
n Support and backing CEO Clare VEC n Burren Outdoor Education Centre Worker and SCP
Project worker; planning trips in advance, organising transport,
Experience Based Learning
n Confucius – Tell Me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and
I will understand
Benefits
n Experiential Learning is learning through reflection on doing.
n Strong links to action learning, adventure learning, free choice learning, cooperative learning.
n Thus the partners in the Ennis Community College model form ideal links. – JCSP, BOEC, SCP
Model of learning
n Focus is on learning process for student rather than transactive process between student and teacher.
n Examples – observation and interaction exercises like going to the Seed Savers rather than reading about it in a book.
n Thus students makes discoveries and experiments first hand instead of hearing about it from others experience.
Life as living textbook
n In Clare working with school staff and Burren Outdoor Education Centre Staff the local environment has become a living textbook.
Who goes to O.R.B.I.T.A.L.?
n 2nd year pupils – 2nd year is the year of most dis-engagement.
n 1 Teachers
n 1 Special Needs Assistant
n 1 SCP Project Worker
Where do we get our resources?
n Ennis Community College Staff’s (i.e. subject teachers of relevant group) Suggestions and Recommendations
n Ennis School Completion Project n Burren Outdoor Education Centre n Local Landmark sites n Events with local promotions such as
National Heritage Week, Science Week etc
Initial Preparatory Work
n Co-operation of all subject teachers involved.
n Contract of Behaviour developed with students in an effort to clearly state the expectations of the project and acceptable behaviour within.
n Parents also alerted to this – consent forms signed and returned before participation commenced.
n Reinforcement of school rules and how they apply within O.R.B.I.T.A.L.
Weekly Preparatory Work
n Research on computer prior to going, where possible n Keywords examined and introduction of new language
terms where appropriate. n Linking with classroom and curriculum learning within
relevant subject(s) n Worksheets prepared and distributed to the class –
learning task highlighted. n Roles of Responsibility distributed n Translation of key words
On Return to school
n One 40 minute class given to review of the days activities
n General open discussion on the days events
n Review of the written notes taken by the group during the day
n Creation of a digital storyboard by using the photographs taken during the day
n All students are aware of the expectation that everyone makes a contribution
Ongoing Review of O.R.B.I.T.A.L.
n Display boards created in classes such as art.
n Contribution within class of learning through the programme, in all related subjects, ie Science, English, History etc
Cross Curricular Linking
n English n Maths n History n Geography n C.S.P.E n P.E. n Religion n Art n Science n Home Economics
Examples of visits and activities
n Caherconnel Archaeological Dig & The Dolmen n King John’s Castle, Limerick – Historical Site n University of Limerick Leisure Facilities n Museum in Ennis and walking tour of the town. n Dromore Woods n Wedge Tomb n Seed savers Project n Burren Outdoor Activity centre n St Tola Goat Farm and Cheese Production
Pictures from Recent Trips
n Pictures of an Archaeologist at work
n Taken at an active dig in Caherconnel as part of Heritage Week
n Subjects Covered – English – History – Geography - Science
Pictures from Recent Trips
n Pictures taken at Seed savers Project
n Students assisted in making apple juice from fruits they had picked.
n Linking in with Science, Home Economics
Pictures from Recent Trips
n Trip to local Wedge Tomb Parknabinnia
n Students asked to sketch the tomb
n Linking to History and Art
Worksheet Sample
n Includes questions to be asked n Leaves space for students to make their
own notes n Reinforces the ‘learning’ concept
Limitations
n Financial Limitations n Time Frame Restrictions in terms of initial
preparation for the scheme n Implication of limited participants n Access to appropriate equipment, e.g.
suitable clothing etc.
Benefits
n Incorporates the three learning styles – Kinaesthetic, Auditory, Visual
n Facilitates a hands-on approach n Experiential learning facilitated n Promotes a positive intercultural educational experience
- formation of relationships n Breaks down the language and cultural barrier n Gives the shy students a chance to participate n Promotion of team work n Promotes leadership skills n Providing an environment to facilitate multiple
intelligence learning
Benefits cont’d…
n Greater participation by students n Develops student responsibility n Encourages a variety of responses n Learn and practice new skills n More ideas generated n More like real life; more practical n Easier for students to seek clarification; boosts
confidence levels in class. n Interpersonal skills developed
Advice to schools considering O.R.B.I.T.A.L
n Communication across all parties involved n Continuous feedback from all involved n Close monitoring with staff and pupils who
travel with groups n Seek appropriate funding and sponsorship
where necessary n Proper structural planning n Failing to plan = planning to fail.