STEMS2: The Real(e) Learning Journey

What do I do for a living?  

Well, if you asked me this 3 months ago, I would go into a brief self-labeling expose on how I am a STEM educator for K-2 students using a nationally-recognized engineering-design curriculum called Project Lead the Way (PLTW)…

Now, if you asked me the same question, I might just say “I’m an educator.”  Sometimes less is more.  Sometimes we unintentionally corner ourselves into compartments for ease of understanding, but at what expense?  Do I want my students to limit their potential or possibilities?  How can I demonstrate a greater sense of collaborative, culturally-relevant, and holistic approaches by labeling myself as one ‘type’ of teacher? 

This shift in how I look at the world, literally how I see the world around me, describes my experiences so far through the STEMS2 cohort.  I know… Big, right?  Seriously, my eyes have been open; I am more maka’ala and much less maka’ala… I didn’t even know what that meant a few months ago or how eloquent, simple, yet exponentially deep this Hawaiian concept is!  I can speak to my insights, perceptions, outlooks, or shifting values all I want… but that may not interest those who read this… or maybe it would? 

I want to share what these shifts and changes actually mean in my classroom for my students.  So, here’s what I have changed about my work so far…

_{·         My K-2 student s and I chant E Ho Mai at the beginning of each STEM class together.  We are still in the learning/practicing phase, but hope to have it down in mind, body, and spirit by the 2nd Quarter…}

_{·         I completely modified my initial lessons for all my students to incorporate and set the stage for a more culturally-grounded experience in my classroom.  I share concepts like: kilo, A’o, maka’ala, what does Ha-wai-I mean?, and “e ola oi, e ola ma ko nei.”} 

_{o    these ideas are now established and referred to every chance I get: my students are exposed and expected to share their understanding of these ideas throughout their learning experiences}

_{·         I also integrated and will be referring to our “Sense of Place” throughout our learning experience with place-based activities and culturally relevant work connected to our STEM curriculum}

_{·         My after school Garden Club is now inundated with these same cultural connections.  We will have a lesson on Sense of Place today, along with an initial ceremonial planting of a Ohia Lehua tree}

_{o    This Sense of Place and Hawaiian Culture will be embedded in every decision we make as a group this year}

_{o    I have a vision of connecting our gardens to the concept of a Wa’a and to the deep connection of water use/conservation}

_{o    We have been blessed to be partnered with Kapolei High School and the Malama Learning Center to do a Koa out-planting activity.  Our students will be taught by the Kapolei Botany Club to plant Koa seeds, care for them, and eventually we will all go on an out-planting excursion in the Waianae Mountains!  (connected to our place)}

_{·         Through my K-2 classes and the Garden Club, I am actively seeking and setting-up collaborative community partners to come share their wisdom with us!  I want to showcase individuals from all walks of life with something they can share!}

_{·         I am attempting to create a Longitudinal Study based on our sense of place through our school chant.  I will be gathering data from our teachers this year and then developing some professional development activities on campus (or in our neighborhood) to connect our place with what we chant each morning.  I want to foster a deeper sense of pride while encouraging culture and sustainable practices (work in our gardens)}

_{So.. with all these things, I am trying to embody what STEMS2 means to me… I will be forever changed and will forever feel the need to integrate these types of activities into my teaching practice!  I have learned so much in such a short time while meeting some Amazing individuals.  Each one of my teachers (that’s all of you) inspire me to be a better individual, teacher, father, friend, and husband.  I can’t wait to see where this journey continues to take me!}

_Aloha!

_{Joe R. (AKA Jr.)}