Vertical Playpen

Phil Brown, Angie Veach, and Ted France discuss the newly launched Masters of Education in Adventure Education program at Springfield College. They explore the intent behind creating the program, the importance of legitimacy in the field, and the need for a curriculum that respects and incorporates experiential learning. The discussion also touches on the significance of breaking down silos in education, the role of language in making education accessible, and the essential facilitation skills that students will develop. Finally, they share their hopes for the future of adventure education and the specifics of the program's application process.   The program aims to fill a void in adventure education. Legitimacy in adventure education is crucial for professional growth. Experiential learning is at the core of the curriculum. Breaking down silos can enhance collaboration across disciplines. Facilitation skills are essential for effective teaching and learning. The program is designed to be flexible for working professionals. Students will learn to create psychologically safe environments. The future of adventure education lies in developing thinking practitioners. Language used in education should be accessible and relatable. The program encourages individual connections and personalized learning paths. Learn more about the MEd - https://springfield.edu/graduate-programs/adventure-education Connect with Angie Veatch - aveatch@springfieldcollege.edu Connect with Ted France - tfrance@springfield.edu Connect with Kristi Jacobi - kristijacobi@stmarksschool.org  Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Support the podcast - https://high5adventure.org/podcast-page/ Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Phil and Cathryn Berger Kaye explore the transformative power of service learning in education. Cathy defines service learning as a pedagogical approach that connects students' learning to real-world community needs, emphasizing the importance of purpose and engagement in the learning process. They discuss the barriers educators face in implementing service learning, the significance of connection and adventure in education, and share inspiring stories of positive outcomes from service learning initiatives. Cathy provides practical advice for educators looking to incorporate service learning into their curriculum, highlighting the need for a shift in focus from standardized testing to meaningful, experiential learning. Service learning is a process that connects education to real-world needs. It elevates student engagement by providing a sense of purpose. Teachers find renewed passion through service learning. Service learning fosters social-emotional learning in students. Adventure in learning encourages risk-taking and self-discovery. Real-life stories illustrate the impact of service learning. Barriers to service learning include lack of understanding and standardized testing. Educators can start with practical resources and community connections. Service learning is not just community service; it's an educational pedagogy. Wisdom in education involves using knowledge for the common good. Connect with Cathy - cathy@cbkassociates.com Learn more about service learning - https://cbkassociates.com/ Connect with Phil; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com  

In this engaging conversation, Phil and Eugene Banks explore the profound impact of education, the journey of becoming an educator, and the art of teaching. They discuss the importance of connection, positive reinforcement, and authentic engagement in the classroom, emphasizing that teaching is not just about content but about the context and relationships built with students. Eugene shares his personal journey into education, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way, and the strategies he employs to foster a dynamic learning environment. They also explore the importance of embracing mistakes in education, setting clear expectations, and fostering a growth mindset among students. Eugene shares his teaching strategies, including the 'We Do' approach, which emphasizes collaborative learning. They discuss the need to challenge traditional educational practices and the significance of inspiring young minds through literature. Eugene also highlights the urgency of pursuing dreams and the impact of his books aimed at empowering young black children.   Positive reinforcement can significantly impact student engagement. Finding your teacher voice takes time and experience. Education requires a long-term commitment to improvement. Teaching is an art form that evolves with practice. Authenticity in teaching resonates with students. Student voice should dominate over teacher voice in the classroom. Engagement strategies are crucial for maintaining student focus. Mistakes in teaching are opportunities for growth. Building relationships with students enhances the learning experience. Mistakes are part of the learning journey. Setting clear expectations minimizes room for error. The 'We Do' strategy encourages collaborative problem-solving. Facilitators guide students rather than dictate learning. Growth mindset is essential for overcoming challenges. Education should prepare students for real-life situations. Rewards should be earned, not given for mere participation. Challenging traditional practices can enhance learning. Books can inspire and empower young minds. Acting with urgency can lead to fulfilling dreams. Eugene on Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/youngblackscholarbook/ Learn more about Eugene and his books; https://www.eugenebanks.com/ Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Phil and Josh Fisher discuss attribution theory, a concept in social psychology that explains how individuals interpret the causes of events and behaviors. They explore its relevance in adventure education, emphasizing the importance of understanding internal and external attributions, common missteps participants make, and strategies for educators to engage learners effectively. The conversation highlights the role of language in framing success and failure, the need for appropriate challenges for different skill levels, and the impact of past experiences on current perceptions. Ultimately, they stress the importance of fostering a culture where failure is seen as a learning opportunity. Attribution theory helps explain how we interpret success and failure. Common missteps include attributing success to luck and failure to external factors. Reframing language can enhance participant engagement and learning. Creating appropriate challenges is essential for skill development. Pre-attribution can influence how individuals approach new experiences. Educators play a crucial role in shaping attributions in their students. Failure is a necessary part of the learning process. Encouraging reflection can help participants understand their experiences better. It's important to focus on controllable factors in success and failure. Building a positive learning environment can mitigate learned helplessness. Contact Josh - jfisher@high5adventure.org Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Phil (AEE Board President-Elect) and Sherry Bagley (AEE Executive Director) discuss their experiences at the AEE Conference in Hong Kong, focusing on the significance of the Asia Pacific region, lessons learned, the role of academia in experiential education, and the importance of engaging the next generation of educators. They share unique cultural experiences and reflections on risk management and child safeguarding, emphasizing the value of building connections and community within the field.   The Asia Pacific region is vast and diverse, requiring tailored approaches to experiential education. Experiential education is more about the 'why' than the 'what' or 'where'. International inclusion means sharing knowledge from all regions, not just the US. Academic legitimacy is crucial for the growth of experiential education in Asia. Workshops on risk management highlighted the need for practical application of policies. Engaging students and new educators is essential for the future of the field. Cultural experiences can enhance personal growth and understanding. Building relationships is key to fostering a strong community in experiential education. Unique experiences, like calligraphy classes, can deepen cultural appreciation. Future conferences should prioritize first-time presenters to encourage new voices. Connect with Sherry Bagley - sherry@aee.org Connect with Phil - pbrown@high5adventure.org Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

"Education wasn't for certain people." In this conversation, Phil and Professor Colin Beard delve into the history and evolution of experiential learning, exploring its prehistory and the cognitive capacities that have shaped human learning. They discuss the limitations of traditional educational models and the importance of recognizing the contributions of lesser-known figures in education, such as Maria Montessori and Marina Ewald. The conversation culminates in the introduction of the Holistic Experiential Learning Model (HELM), emphasizing the need for a more complex understanding of learning that incorporates various human capacities.   Humans have been learning throughout their entire existence. The evolution of learning capacities spans millions of years. Traditional educational models often overlook essential cognitive functions. Maria Montessori's contributions to education are significant yet underrecognized. The complexity of learning requires a holistic approach. Experiential learning should utilize all human capacities. Simplicity in educational models can lead to limitations. The importance of questioning in the learning process is paramount. Silenced voices in education highlight systemic biases. The Holistic Experiential Learning Model (HELM) offers a new perspective on learning. Connect with Professor Beard - colbeard2@outlook.com  Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com  

Phil shares five key phrases that enhance his training and communication. He emphasizes the importance of preparation on the ground, reframing questions to encourage engagement, and fostering creativity through vague responses. He also discusses the value of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and the significance of connecting through shared experiences and purpose.   If you can do it on the ground, do it on the ground. Reframing questions can lead to better engagement. Encouraging creativity requires intentional vagueness. Normalizing mistakes is essential for learning. Connection is more about the why than the what or where. Preparation is key to effective problem-solving. Asking 'What are your questions?' invites participation. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Shared experiences create stronger connections. It's important to allow space for questions in training. Connect with Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/ Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Phil is joined by Loui McCurley to discuss the essential components of effective rescue plans, emphasizing the importance of understanding the subject in distress, the need for timely response, and the implications of suspension trauma. Loui highlights the significance of training and preparedness in rescue scenarios, as well as the potential for growth in the ropes course industry and its impact on personal development and safety practices.   Rescue plans should focus on the subject in distress. Timely response is crucial in rescue situations. Suspension trauma can have serious medical implications. Training should include both verbal and physical reach techniques. Extrication methods should prioritize safety and efficiency. Calling emergency services early can save lives. Understanding the risks of suspension is vital for safety. The ropes course industry has significant growth potential. Rope access techniques improve safety and efficiency in inspections. Adventure education fosters personal growth and teamwork. Contact Loui - lmccurley@pmirope.com Contact Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/ Music and sound effects - https://www.epidemicsound.com/

Phil is joined by Loui McCurley to discuss the intricacies of rope access and fall protection, emphasizing the importance of understanding various safety standards and the role they play in ensuring safety at heights. He highlights the differences between fall protection methods, the significance of training and competency, and the value of cross-industry knowledge sharing in enhancing safety practices.   Rope access is a specific type of fall protection. Fall protection encompasses various methods to prevent falls. Understanding safety standards is crucial for compliance. Standards development involves diverse perspectives. Experience is essential for understanding safety systems. Competency involves recognizing hazards and taking action. Qualified individuals have relevant experience and education. Cross-industry collaboration enhances safety knowledge. Training should focus on practical understanding and experience. Knowledge sharing events foster innovation and safety improvements. Contact Loui - lmccurley@pmirope.com Contact Phil; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/ Music and sound effects - https://www.epidemicsound.com/

Phil and Jerry Kolber (producer of the tv show Brain Games, and the podcast Who Smarted?) explore the intersection of play and education, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how to make learning more engaging and relatable. They discuss the importance of memorable moments in life, the role of play in education, and the inspiration behind the show 'Brain Games.' Jerry emphasizes the need for humor and relatability in teaching, while also highlighting the impact of educational content on young audiences. The conversation concludes with reflections on sustaining passion in education and crafting engaging learning experiences. Play is essential for effective learning and engagement. Memorable moments shape our experiences and learning paths. Education should be fun and relatable to spark curiosity. Humor can significantly enhance the learning experience. Experiential learning allows for creativity and critical thinking. Creating opportunities for play in education can lead to better outcomes. The education system needs to evolve to meet modern needs. Engaging content can inspire students to pursue their passions. Sustaining passion in education is crucial for both educators and students. Connect with Jerry - jerry.kolber@atomicentertainment.com  Listen to Who Smarted? - https://whosmarted.com/ Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org Podcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/ Music and sound effects - https://www.epidemicsound.com/