OIEE - Workshop Participants comments

Oxford Institute for Environmental Education

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants submit an evaluation form. Their comments are indicative of the overwhelming change in their attitude concerning how they will now develop their classroom curriculum

Below are some examples from past workshops.

Teacher comments such as:
“I am more confident about teaching ecology. My attitude has become more positive.” “I plan to use even more cooperative student groups and integrate the other classes I teach to share data.” “I will be making even more effort to get my students outdoors. I will incorporate more investigative work and case studies into my curriculum.” “I will apply the scientific method to questions raised in class. I am more likely to incorporate investigations and field work into the curriculum.” “This experience has opened my eyes to the different types of investigations that can be conducted outdoors.” “My approach has changed because I have learned the importance of teaching children their place in the world and how inquiry can help them understand it.” “This program was one of my most amazing experiences so far! Thanks so much!” “I am excited since I know I can use my 'concrete' schoolyard and still conduct investigations!” “I will go outside and teach as much as possible. I can do it!”

Comments from the Fall Follow-up Workshop:
“The students really got excited about studying diversity. Especially when they saw a food web!” “I just love taking my students out to investigate.’ “The children brought in a cicada killer which triggered a whole new investigation. The kids were so excited!” “Our children really learned to observe by watching caterpillars. They answered questions by observation.” “I have changed the way I teach everything after just two weeks of the summer workshop!" “In our investigations, I didn’t want to tell them the question. I wanted them to develop their own questions! My students came up with their own ideas for their future experiments.” “Everything I learned from this workshop I brought to all my teaching, particularly math. It’s really about systematic problem solving; it’s awesome to bring in the scientific method!” “My students are more excited about science—now that they know why we do science and why it is so important.” “When I left this workshop, I felt like a child again. Everything was interesting! I looked at everything differently… my excitement carries over to my students!” “This workshop changed my teaching for the better!” “All teachers can benefit from the inquiry approach and need to experience more classes like this one.”

Representative comments from Free Response Questions (all grade levels):
Most significant long-term effect of the OIEE experience:
“I have always used the schoolyard… but now it is used constantly and consistently.” “OIEE changed the way I approach teaching science and other subjects.” “OIEE illustrated the importance and benefit of student-based instruction. Students can help construct the knowledge they need.”

Changes in students you relate to the OIEE:
“They like science more.” (many participants) “They are more “open-minded” about investigating and making statements about why things happen”

How has your attitude toward teaching changed following the OIEE:
“I am more enthusiastic. GPS standards can be taught 'out of the box.' My classroom is no longer 4 walls.” “It is not so much about content: facts but about a love of science and an appreciation for the way science is conducted.”