Experiential learning: Where human history and nature connect

Experiential learning: Where human history and nature connect

Author: Ethical Schools October 13, 2023 Duration: 24:16

We speak with Jackie Broder, director of the Mamakating Environmental Education Center in New York’s Catskill Mountains. The Center abuts the Basha Kill wetland, a vital self-contained ecosystem.  It helps students, families, and community members to connect with the area’s distinct biodiversity and rich history and to develop an emotional connection with nature.

Overview

00:00-00:28 Intros

0028:01:30 Mamakating Environmental Education Center

01:30-02:57 Teaching history

02:57-02:57 Adventure programs

02:57-04:31 Transportation issues with schools

04:31-06:36 Promoting equity and ethics

06:36-07:59 How we talk about history

07:59-09:19 Visit to a Montessori school

09:19-10:31 Children’s impressions and misimpressions about nature

10:31-11:40 Learning about wetlands

11:40-12:49 Developing an emotional connection to nature

12:49-13:33 Connecting with teachers’ curricula

13:33-14:53 Working with teachers; getting buy-in

14:53-16:55 Learning to be “good ancestors”

16:55-18:00 Thinking about/addressing climate change

18:00-18:39 Connections in local communities

18:39-19:33 Nature centers around the country

19:33-20:22 Connection with the Town of Mamakating

20:22-20:48


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

Ethical Schools
Podcast Episodes
Lev Moscow offers advice for secondary school teachers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
We interview Lev Moscow who, for the last 14 years, has taught history and economics at The Beacon School in New York City. Lev reflects that advisory, done well, can serve as a venue for students to explore questions of…
Leo Ackley on teaching in Finland’s consistently superior schools [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:00
Amy interviews Leo Ackley, who emigrated to Finland in the 1972. He taught art, history of architecture, design, and engineering in Finnish schools for 37 years. We discuss the Finnish system. Teachers have autonomy to d…
Kym Vanderbilt on ethical early childhood teacher preparation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:00
We interview Kym Vanderbilt, Lecturer and Professional Development Liaison in the Early Childhood/Childhood Department at CUNY/Lehman College. Kym describes her students’ concerns about meeting the needs of teacher assis…
Silvia Canales on Relationship-Based College Counseling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:45
We speak with Silvia Canales, who coordinates the college advisory program at Brotherhood/Sister Sol, an organization that provides comprehensive and holistic support services to underserved youth. Silvia talks about ful…