Episodes

  • The Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC) | Romy Alexandra

    The Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC) | Romy Alexandra
    May 6 2025
    In this conversation, Romy Alexandra discusses the concept of experiential learning, sharing her personal journey and insights into how experiential education can transform traditional learning methods. She emphasizes the importance of engaging learners through experience, reflection, and action, and explores the experiential learning cycle and various learning styles. The discussion also highlights the significance of reflection in the learning process and how it can be made more engaging. Romy shares practical strategies for facilitators to enhance their teaching methods and the need to bridge theory and practice in education.
    • Experiential learning is about learning through experience, reflection, thinking, and acting.
    • Reflection is essential for deep learning and should be varied to keep it engaging.
    • Learning styles are preferences that can change over time and should not box learners in.
    • The experiential learning cycle can be applied to all aspects of life, not just formal education.
    • Peer learning is often more impactful than facilitator-led instruction.
    • Creating a safe space for reflection can lead to powerful insights and learning outcomes.
    • Facilitators should strive to engage all learning styles in their teaching methods.
    • The journey of learning is continuous and can spiral into deeper understanding and action.

    Connect with Romy - romy@romy-alexandra.com

    Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org

    Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
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    40 mins
  • Lighthouse Parenting | Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg

    Lighthouse Parenting | Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg
    Apr 29 2025
    In this conversation, Phil and Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg discuss the concept of Lighthouse Parenting, a metaphor that emphasizes the importance of being a stable and guiding presence in a child's life. Dr. Ginsburg explains how this approach balances love and protection while allowing children to take healthy risks. They explore the role of adults in modeling behavior, the impact of stress and anxiety on children, and the challenges posed by technology and social media. The discussion highlights the need for emotional vulnerability in adults and the importance of fostering interdependence in future generations.
    • Lighthouse Parenting is about balancing love and protection.
    • Role modeling is crucial for children to take healthy risks.
    • Children need stable relationships to thrive emotionally.
    • Stress is a significant factor in unhealthy risk-taking.
    • Preparation is a form of protection for children.
    • Overprotection can lead to anxiety in children.
    • Social media has both positive and negative impacts on youth.
    • Emotional vulnerability in adults fosters connection with children.
    • Teaching basic human connection is essential before introducing technology.
    • Interdependence is key to raising secure and confident children.

    Learn more about Dr. Ginsburg - https://www.fosteringresilience.com/

    Purchase the book - https://www.fosteringresilience.com/book/lighthouse-parenting

    Connect with the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org

    Donate to the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
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    32 mins
  • Communication in the Classroom | Mike Anderson

    Communication in the Classroom | Mike Anderson
    Apr 22 2025

    In this episode, the conversation focuses on the importance of communication in education, featuring insights from Anne Louise Wagner, Ryan McCormick and Mike Anderson. They discuss the barriers to effective communication, the significance of modeling appropriate communication for students, and the creation of a safe learning environment. The speakers emphasize the role of humor and personal connections in enhancing communication, as well as the need for continuous improvement in communication skills. They also explore the challenges of adapting communication styles in different contexts and the powerful influence adults have on shaping student communication behaviors.

    • Teachers often unintentionally send mixed messages to students.
    • Modeling appropriate communication is crucial for student learning.
    • Creating a safe environment encourages students to take risks.
    • Humor and playfulness can enhance communication in the classroom.
    • Personal connections foster a positive learning atmosphere.
    • Awareness of tone and body language impacts communication effectiveness.
    • Adults should model the behavior they want to see in students.
    • Communication skills can always be improved and refined.
    • Mistakes in communication provide opportunities for growth.

    Learn more about Mike: https://leadinggreatlearning.com/

    Connect with Anne Louise - alwagner@high5adventure.org

    Connect with Ryan - rmccormick@high5adventure.org

    Connect with Phil;

    Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

    Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
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    38 mins
  • National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) | Dr. Travis Park

    National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) | Dr. Travis Park
    Apr 15 2025
    "Learning to do, doing to learn" Phil, alongside guest host Jamie Thibodeau, is joined by Dr. Travis Park to explore the National FFA Organization's mission and its connection to experiential education. Travis discusses the importance of agricultural education in developing leadership, personal growth, and career success among students. The discussion highlights the role of experiential learning in FFA programs, the leadership development opportunities available to students, and the empowerment of youth through peer leadership. The conversation concludes with insights on collaboration between FFA and experiential education organizations.
    • FFA is an agricultural leadership organization for students.
    • The mission of FFA is to develop leadership and career success.
    • Experiential education is integral to FFA's teaching methods.
    • Students engage in supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs).
    • Peer leadership is a key component of FFA's structure.
    • FFA chapters empower students to lead their peers.
    • Leadership development occurs through conferences and workshops.
    • FFA provides opportunities for networking and mentorship.
    • Agriculture teachers play a crucial role in student development.
    • Collaboration between FFA and experiential education can enhance learning.

    Learn more about the FFA - https://www.ffa.org/

    Connect with Phil;

    Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

    Donate to the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
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    26 mins
  • Deliberate Creative Teams | Dr. Amy Climer

    Deliberate Creative Teams | Dr. Amy Climer
    Apr 8 2025
    In this conversation, Phil Brown interviews Amy Climer about her new book, 'Deliberate Creative Teams.' They discuss the importance of creativity in teams, the misconceptions surrounding creativity, and the role of education in stifling creative potential. Amy shares insights on how to facilitate creativity within teams, the concept of creative abrasion, and the creative spectrum that teams can navigate to enhance their innovative capabilities. The discussion emphasizes the need for structure in creative processes and the potential for individuals and teams to elevate their creative output.
    • Amy's book is based on her PhD research on creativity in teams.
    • Creativity is often misunderstood; it's about problem-solving, not just artistic ability.
    • Education systems can diminish creativity by promoting standardized answers.
    • Creativity can be learned and developed over time.
    • Facilitators play a crucial role in creating environments for creativity.
    • Creative abrasion allows for healthy conflict and idea generation.
    • Group think can stifle innovation and should be avoided.
    • Teams can be categorized on a spectrum from destructive to scalable in terms of creativity.
    • Setting clear expectations and structures can enhance creative processes.
    • The ultimate goal is to help teams and individuals reach their full creative potential.

    Get Amy's Book - https://a.co/d/3FzEwtq

    Learn more about the book - https://climerconsulting.com/book/

    Connect with Amy - amy@climerconsulting.com

    Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

    Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
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    30 mins
  • Master of Education (MEd) in Adventure Education | Springfield College | Angie Veatch and Ted France

    Master of Education (MEd) in Adventure Education | Springfield College | Angie Veatch and Ted France
    Apr 1 2025
    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
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    23 mins
  • Service Learning | Cathryn Berger Kaye

    Service Learning | Cathryn Berger Kaye
    Mar 25 2025

    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
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    25 mins
  • Positive Reinforcement in the Classroom | Eugene Banks

    Positive Reinforcement in the Classroom | Eugene Banks
    Mar 18 2025
    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
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    25 mins