Insights Into the Art of Intentional, Purposeful, and Participant-Centered Facilitation and Teaching from the Inspired Educator Blog:
Excerpt from Experiential Tools Newsletter Oct 2nd, 2020: In the midst of learning about exciting new updates on Zoom, helpful new apps, the latest tech tools, and creative activit
The Language We Use in Facilitation and Teaching: Reflection vs. Debriefing
There’s all the difference in the world between having something to say, and having to say something. —John Dewey My March of 2013 blog post “The Language We Use in
Domino Fraction Line Up: An Accidental Success in the Classroom
I find that some of my best activities and strategies are created by accident, when a lesson plan doesn’t go quite as I planned, or when an unexpected situation arises and I have
Know the Why Behind What You Do
Take time to study the theory and science behind what you do. Regularly reflect upon and intentionally observe what works in your groups, and consciously develop your philosophy of
From the Archives: “Bag of Nouns” for Review, Formative Assessment, and Fun
I was inspired to repost this article from the blog archives (August of 2014) after using it in a particularly successful active review session with a group of students today. It i
Sequencing Reflection and Processing in the Middle of the Experience
Effective facilitators put a lot of thought into sequencing their programs so that lessons and activities build upon the previous ones. They start with less intimidating methods to
Create Multiple Pathways to Learning
The more senses that are used to learn and practice information, the more neural networks are activated and the more ways the brain is able to store and retrieve information. Mult
New Book! Inspired Educator, Inspired Learner
Inspired Educator Inspired Learner: Experiential, Brain-Based Activities and Strategies to Engage, Motivate, Build Community, and Create Lasting Lessons I am thrilled to announce t
Compelling Quotes as a “Hook”, Reflection, or Welcoming Activity
Excerpt from the soon to be released Inspired Educator, Inspired Learner book: Purpose/Focus: active engagement, hook, introducing a topic, “first five” or “do now,” contex
Image and Postcard Introduction or “Strong Beginnings/Welcoming Ritual” Activities
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Inspiring Articles, Podcasts, Books & Blogs on Engagement, Learning & the Brain
As readers of this blog know I am excited about new research on the brain and learning and the links between the emerging field of educational neuroscience and experiential learnin
School’s Out for Summer! Celebrating Successes and New Beginnings:
In this Inspired Educator Blog post Jen Stanchfield shares her experiences using reflective activities to help schools celebrate the successes of the year and summer programs start
Learning Through Play with Playdough Pictionary: Blending Community Building With Academic or Training Content Review
Playdough Pictionary has been one of my favorite "go-to" activities for years. Though I first started using it in team-building programs I have found that it is a great active mult
Activities to Get Them Moving, Talking, Reflecting, and Keep Them Engaged
Recent research from cognitive neuroscientists validates the idea that educators will increase participant attention, motivation, and learning outcomes when they intentionally weav
What is Experiential Education?
The experiential approach to education and group work is based on the idea that change and growth take place when people are actively (physically, socially, intellectually, emotion
An Exciting Month On the Road and Thoughts On the Words We Use in Experiential Education
This experience of facilitating through an interpreter stimulated reflection upon the words I choose to describe concepts in experiential education. When presenting with an interpr
The Right Ingredients at the Right Time: Sequencing Group Learning Experiences
As with cooking, facilitation is an art that involves a combination of practice, observation, knowledge of theory and creativity. Effective facilitators act as a good chef does, ad
Key Ingredients for Building a Positive Environment and Increasing Engagement
Jennifer Stanchfield's post on the important ingredients for teaching and group facilitation. Techniques for maximizing engagement, reflection and building a positive group or clas
