In case you were worried, I survived my Tough Mudder up in NH this weekend. Somehow Saturday turned out to be the mild and pleasant day stuck between a bunch of oppressive ones. Had some leg cramps, but that just makes the experience that much more fun when you are climbing a rope to get over a wall.
What was great was seeing all the elements of a tremendous learning environment on display all day. We had a steady stream of obstacles thrown at us. Each of the obstacles required some thinking, some coordinating of responsibilities, collaboration, sacrifice, some overcoming of fear and doubt, and the necessity of making sure that everyone succeeded, even people not in our group. In fact, a bunch of the obstacles require that many groups work together to help everyone succeed. We helped others face their fears. We shared each other's personal successes. We encouraged everyone else we could on the course. When I have done team building and leadership development with students at challenge courses and National Guard camps, I have worked to have these same results.
I believe that everyone came out of the Tough Mudder a bit better inside than when they came. I have some interesting bruises and sore areas, but I loved every second of the experience (except when I got cramps in both hamstrings at the same time). How do we strive to make learning experiences for students that rich and valuable when we teach them English, Math and Science?
What was great was seeing all the elements of a tremendous learning environment on display all day. We had a steady stream of obstacles thrown at us. Each of the obstacles required some thinking, some coordinating of responsibilities, collaboration, sacrifice, some overcoming of fear and doubt, and the necessity of making sure that everyone succeeded, even people not in our group. In fact, a bunch of the obstacles require that many groups work together to help everyone succeed. We helped others face their fears. We shared each other's personal successes. We encouraged everyone else we could on the course. When I have done team building and leadership development with students at challenge courses and National Guard camps, I have worked to have these same results.
I believe that everyone came out of the Tough Mudder a bit better inside than when they came. I have some interesting bruises and sore areas, but I loved every second of the experience (except when I got cramps in both hamstrings at the same time). How do we strive to make learning experiences for students that rich and valuable when we teach them English, Math and Science?
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