Adventures in Learning: The Experiential Classroom

School administrators, classroom teachers, guidance counselors, physical educators, and alternative school professionals will discover strategies to integrate experiential based methods into the classroom and school through Adventures in Learning: The Experiential Classroom.

Offered in conjunction with High 5 Adventure Learning Center, the Adventures in Learning: The Experiential Classroom graduate certificate empowers teachers with a variety of experiential methods for engaging students and meeting academic standards. Educators and administrators will gain new perspectives on educational practice through learning the foundations of experiential learning theory and through reflection on their own practice as an educator.

At Plymouth State, you can take up to 12 credits before being admitted—so, you don’t need to apply in order to complete this graduate certificate program, however there are minimum requirements that must be met in order for your certificate to be awarded.

Required Courses – 12 credits
3

ED 5060 Theories of Learning and Cognitive Development

An overview of current theories concerning the brain, development, and learning. Analysis of developmental concepts from birth through adolescence and adulthood. Discussion of language acquisition, thinking and learning styles, multiple intelligence, and creativity. Topics include teaching, learning, and assessment issues related to cultural diversity, technology, and learning differences.
2

EE 5160 The Experiential Learning Cycle

In this series of interactive workshops: Adventures in Learning and Teaching, Activities for Academic Success and Teachable Moments, educators will explore tools and ideas for engaging learners in three critical aspects of experiential learning: creating a positive environment for learning, engaging learners in meaningful experiences that relate to core academic content, and reflective learning. Participants will earn 2 credits through completion of the three workshops and an experiential curriculum design project that relates to their professional practice.
2

EE 5150 Experiential Group Facilitation: Beyond Basics

This workshop offers educators and group facilitators from diverse settings an opportunity to gain practical skills in group facilitation and develop and refine their facilitation style. In a co-creative environment facilitators will explore the art of facilitation and practice their facilitation skills. Participants will leave with a variety of practical activities, strategies, and tools that will enhance their practice as a facilitator. Through hands on program design and implementation practice, reflection and input from peers, facilitators will gain new insights, resources and tap into their strengths as an educator. Participants will leave with practical tools to enhance their practice as facilitators.
2

EE 5140 Experiential Education and Differentiated Instruction

This course gives teachers new perspectives, tools and techniques for recognizing the varying learning styles and needs of their students, enabling them to design lessons that better engage all of the learners in their classroom. In an interactive collaborative learning environment participants will explore their own learning styles, how learning style impacts outcomes, and work with peers to develop differentiated lesson plans for their classrooms. Teachers will gain ideas, tools and specific activities for empowering students to take more control over their learning.
2

EE 5130 Building Your Repertoire

Participants will complete 3 of the following one day workshops: Games for Any Space, No Props No Problem, Metaphors for Change, 10 Props, 100 Activities, or Teachable Moments; and complete a resource book of activities and facilitation tools that fit their professional practice. These workshops present a variety of experiential based activities focused on problem-solving, communication skills development, asset building and reflection. Participants should also gain an understanding of the foundations of experiential education and the philosophy of learning and community building through play.
1-3

EE 5190 Independent Study

Enrichment of the background of students in education through the pursuit of a special topic in the area of experiential education theory, research, inquiry, or implementation pertinent to their interests and abilities. A chance for an in-depth study of a problem in the field of Experiential Education. Consent of a faculty supervisor and the Associate Vice President is required.

Elective Courses – 1-3 credits
2

EE 5170 Introduction to Low Challenge Course Elements

The course is designed as an introductory experience intended to model a condensed but carefully sequenced challenge course curriculum. Participants will learn both the technical skills of operating a low challenge course as well as facilitator skills essential to the operation of an experiential education program. Introduction to Low Challenge Course Elements provides an important first step for both understanding the flow and interplay of a group experience and for learning the skills to run an effective adventure learning and challenge course program.
1-3

ED 6900 Graduate Capstone Experience

A culminating, supervised project or practicum experience in a work environment or cooperating institution or agency. The purpose is to apply knowledge learned in previous coursework to the work environment or through an approved project. The candidate works with a field supervisor on site and presents their final product to PSU faculty. Students who anticipate working on their project for more than one term should register for the appropriate number of credits in each term so that they remain registered throughout the course of the project. Students should anticipate planning approximately 40 hours of work for each credit to be earned and the number of credits to be earned in total must be approved by their advisor and noted on their program contract. The candidate must submit a Graduate Capstone Project form with their registration and the Capstone Project must be approved by the advisor and Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies.