Transformative Education

I haven't posted in two weeks because I was enjoying spring break and then visiting Down to Earth Farm with my sustainability class. As part of their experience with community-based transformational learning, we volunteered at a small, local organic farm that runs a CSA and also sells its produce at nearby farmers' markets. Every time I visit Brian and Kristen's farm, I'm delighted to see what can happen with dedication and a willingness to learn. Brian told one of my students that he didn't really know much at all about farming when he and Kristen began their endeavor, but through reading, talking, and trial and error, they're entering their third year of farming, and he knows more than ever.

I like remembering that we don't need to know it all, we simply need a passion for something, the ability to ask questions, and openness regarding outcomes. We'll learn the lessons we're meant to know. And, to be trite, whether we "succeed" or "fail," we'll have had the pleasure of the journey.

All in all, I hope this semester that is winding to an end has been a pleasurable journey for my students. I know discussing sustainability, learning more, experimenting with my own life, has been enjoyable for me. We have three weeks left in our semester, and I'm eager to see the students' presentations on the knowledge and experience they've gained throughout the semester. Hopefully, this classroom experience that has been feed by and in turn fed their day-to-day lives has been one with lasting effect. That's when education is truly transformative...for students and teacher alike.