Monday, February 27, 2017

Monday Muse - Lifelong Learning Part 2


When I finished my education as an educator, I felt that my background in the sciences was lacking. As a social studies major, I had only taken one college level science course (nutrition at a molecular level) and none in teaching science to elementary students.  Fortunately, I am fascinated by nature and had wonderful experiences learning about physics, biology and chemistry in high school, so I was curious and interested in pursuing further knowledge.  Enter Coursera, which offers extended education opportunities via the internet. I took two courses in Inquiry Based Science, so that I would prepared to teach elementary science if the need arose. 

I used some of the methods I explored in this course in teaching summer school.  Our emphasis at summer school was improving skills in reading, writing and arithmetic (as you might guess) but I loved having a hands-on science activity each time we might so that students had something to really look forward to each day.  Making clouds from shaving cream and rain from food coloring was a big hit with 6 year olds, and listening to their theories about what was really happening during a storm was a big hit with this middle-aged teacher!

You may take courses for free through Coursera, just to delve into the knowledge, or pay a fee to earn continuing ed credits though such notable institutions as John Hopkins University, Rice University or Stanford.  These are somewhat demanding courses, with several reading assignments per week and a requirement to complete projects and make discussion board posts, as is typical in online university learning.  

I enjoyed the challenge.  Recently, I have been reviewing their course descriptions, seeking courses which improve my knowledge base as a garden writer and speaker. I have several speaking engagements this spring, and I like knowing the latest trends in earth science and botany.

What about you?  Are you enrolled in any courses at this time, online or in your locale?  Do you have a subject that you are passionate about, and about which you are always seeking more knowledge and experience?  I would love to hear what interests you and keeps you actively engaged in lifelong learning.

10 comments:

My Journey To Mindfulness said...

Marcie, just thought my mother looked ancient and now I am
Will forward recipe for blueberry bread so good.
Just put 3 loaves in freezer. Freezer empty of my baking
and I only like it :) with a cup of tea and have something daily
Send me your address....
You are a smart girl :)

Marcie said...

Ernestine, Thank you! I did send you my address at your blog email. Did you see? I can send again, if not. I can't wait to try the bread! especially in the summer when blueberries and Michigan cranberries are available! :) It sounds wonderful.

My Journey To Mindfulness said...

1/23/15 - the recipe, this morning it looked prettier and make 3 loaves

cannot find address

maybe mind not working this morning :)

Marcie said...

I emailed you again. Hopefully you got it this time. I did find the recipe on your blog, with the date that you provided, so I am all set there. Thank you so much! :)

Out on the prairie said...

This sounds like a lot of fun. I was science for my endorsement in El Ed, so took as many as I could, mostly around Botany.

Marcie said...

Those science courses sound like a great fit for you, Steve. My college was a satellite location from the main campus and only offered a couple of majors. Science wasn't one of them, but I would have been very drawn to it if it was.

Sandra Cox said...

I bet you're a wonderful instructor.
I love that you are always learning.

Marcie said...

Thank you! I always hope to inspire others to explore ideas that they are fascinated by! My teaching is evolving. Now, I am mostly teaching at classes related to my book, or to health and lifestyle topics.

Crafty Green Poet said...

It's great to always be learning. I sometimes go on day courses to learn more about various aspects of wildlife (recently I've done courses on dragonfly identification and snail identification and I've signed up for a butterfly identification course). I also try to always be learning what I can. An active interest in nature means there is plenty to learn every day!

Marcie said...

Nature is my favorite subject to learn about too! Endlessly fascinating!