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: en-us Episodes: 100

Ethical Schools
Podcast Episodes
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