Learning to prepare fish for smoking, with Cree elders
Learning on an EEI bus comes in diverse packages. We do read, we do have seminar and discussion forums, but we also learn directly from the people and places involved in the many sides of social and environmental issues we are studying. And we often learn alongside those who are informing us, by doing. Education happens outside of traditional academic settings – there are no classrooms (well, rarely) and no tests (really, not ever). The education comes from direct experience immersed with others in exploring and acting upon the challenges and successes of 21st Century environmental and social issues.
Learning about issues from local experts.
The rigor infused into these resource experiences is based in experiential education principles in which students become firmly grounded. They move through a preparation process where they take initiative in learning about what, how, and with whom they wish to engage – making decisions and becoming informed about the varieties of interests, values, and intentions that underlie areas of conflict or confusion. They then seek our experiences that inform them, engage with those from various perspectives, then eventually return to critically reflect upon what they have experienced individually and collectively, integrating and synthesizing emotionally, intellectually, creatively, socially, or even physically.
Learn more about the lasting impacts of EEI education in our Alumni Updates blog.