Dallas
Plensky
Educational Interests
Ecological Education and Experiential Learning
Direct experience of curriculum allows students to learn through multiple entry points, and can enhance understanding, retention and interest in the material. In addition, when the experiential learning is about local spaces, students begin a journey to become passionate and feel responsibility their local places. This, I think, is the ultimate goal of education – to excite, engage, and evoke intrinsic curiosity in the world and people around us.
Environmental and ecological lesson resouces can be found in Resources and Toolkit.
We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction - Malcolm Gladwell
Indigenous Education
I have been involved in indigenous education and community service projects with the Okanagan and Haida Nations.I teach from an indigenous perspective, incorporating community circles, story-telling and respect for diversity in my classrooms.
I have worked with the Okanagan Nation Alliance Fisheries Program on the re-introduction of Sockeye salmon into Skaha Lake, and mentored aboriinal youth as part of a career education project.
In summer 2012, I visited Haida Gwaii and developed curriculum in collaboration with the Haida Nation and the SEEDs student teachers.
Indigenous educational resources, can be found in Resources and Toolkit.
Relatedness of all things in the natural world is at the heart of aboriginal culture. Look after the land and land will look after you.
Imagination and Creativity
I strive to be an inventive teacher, who not only promotes thinking, but who can connect with individuals, and manage a dynamic environment with enthusiasm and interest. I use narrative, humour, comics, images, debates, technology, and open ended projects to engage the minds and hearts of learners. To see imaginative student exemplars, go to Teaching Practice.
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn - Benjamin Franklin
Physical Education and Sport
As an environmental educator, high performance coach and teacher, I believe that direct exposure to nature and the outside world is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults (Louv, 2007). I also believe we can extend this statement to include an intimate connection between physical abilities, direct outside experiences and the emotional health of children.
For more information on my High Performance Director's role, coaching experience and certification, see About me.
Purposeful, mindful movement can build and solidify confidence, collaborative skills, self esteem and improve students’ attitudes towards learning.