The Beauty of Portfolios

As you have probably guessed PC is not your common, traditional school. One of the many things that makes us unique is that very few professors give standard tests. The general feeling is that a students true understanding of the material is generally not reflected in the results of a test. Instead many classes ask students to construct a portfolio throughout the term. I'm currently taking a Learning Theories class and my professor has asked us to create such a portfolio. Believe it or not, it is a lot of fun! Within the confines of my green zip-up binder are the section headings: Class Notes, Research, Service Learning, Text Notes and Journal. This is such a clear and easy way to keep my info. organized and to begin to see the claims and connections where each section applies to the next. Twice throughout the term my professor collects the portfolio and reviews my learning. She can get a more comprehensive view of the projects I am a part of, the work I am doing in preparation for the big research paper and my overall understanding of the material. The portfolio also acts as the foundation for how my professor will evaluate me at the end of the class. I see this form of educational presentation to be much more representative of the things I have learned and how I have personally grow as a result of the class. GROOVY!

Time: The Game of Balance

Time has always been my nemesis. Perhaps it is because one lifetime is not enough for me to do and learn all the things I'm interested in. This has been especially true after having returned to college at the ripe age of 26. I feel as though my life is a constant juggling act and at times I'm having a blast and at other times I think the whole collection of objects in the air could come crashing down. This weekend was the perfect example. A few of my friends had birthdays at the end of the week and so my nights were filled with outings and drinks to celebrate their lives. All fun and good, but left me with no time for school work or sleep. I knew Sunday would be dedicated to tutoring, house work and paper writing, so when Saturday morning arrived I said "Ok, I'm not going out today. In fact I'm not even getting out of my sweat pants! Today is just for me." IT WAS GREAT! I listened to good music, cooked tasty food, finished some creative art projects and had a rousing debate with my house mates about the nature of romantic partnerships. Most importantly I re-established the balance between devoting time to the world outside of myself and the world within myself. Now, Monday morning, I am revitalized and excited to start my week. The game of time management never ends but some weeks I'm better at it that others. : )

Extracurricular Community

Last night I was having coffee with a friend, who is also a PC student, and chatting about all the amazing things going on outside of our little fish bowl of classes. Just in the past three days there have been a myriad of exciting events to attend. The President of the college, the wonderful Dan Garvey, facilitated a stimulating open forum on the meaning of "Social Change". How do we as an institution and as individuals lead a life devoted to evolving our world. Not only did it provide me with food for thought, but it was also a great example of how the Administration is very accessible to me and values my voice in the community.
Then last night there was a vibrant musical concert in Flagstaff which a group of students drove up too. For those of us who could not be out that late due to 8am classes(me), Yavapai college was hosting a panel discussion on the workings of the United Nations.
Yet another way to get involved with your world continues tonight when North Moench will lead a gathering of people through ways to become part of the Kenya Project. Prescott Colleges collaboration with the Massai people will hopefully be a ongoing project for years to come.
This is only a small sampling of events. Others range from Meditation groups to film screenings. You are never short of things to get involved with here at Prescott, only short on time.
My friend and I ended our evening wishing we had another four years to devote only to extracurricular projects. Wouldn't that be a perfect world.

The Sky's The Limit

A term you often hear associated with Prescott College is "self directed learning." Now many of us have a working idea of what that must mean, but what does self directed learning really look like when put into action? I think my experiences today will help to illustrate this concept. (My good friend Paco and I)
Prescott College is a working laboratory where you as the student can mix and blend a variety of elements in order to make your visions come true. One of my great passions is Cross Cultural Education and how educators can ban together to help expose their students to a variety of the worlds cultures, that would then be beneficial to all groups. Last May a group of students, co-facilitated by Mary Poole(PC Faculty) and Meitamei Olol Depash(Massai Activist), traveled to Kenya for a cultural immersion experience. These students returned to Prescott fundamentally changed. Not only had their experiences shifted them personally but they also created alliances and partnerships that will live on in the fututre.
One such partnership is Prescott Colleges commitment to continuing work with the Massai people in years to come. How I fit into this whole picture is that I met with my faculty advisor today and we discussed a format for the 2007 trip based on Cross Cultural Education. This project is in it's infancy, but the exciting thing is that I had a desire to get involved, brought my vision to key people and am now going to be a fundamental voice in how this trip takes shape! These are the types of experience you can have at this institution, because our mission is to really support your vision and help you fulfill your passions. It is not just lip service, it is motivation in action.
- For more information on the Kenya Project contact North Moench at northmoench@msn.com -

The World is our Classroom: Reflections on Wilderness Orientation

There are a multitude of things that make Prescott College exemplary but one that really stands out is Wilderness Orientation. The first block class all incoming students, be it first time freshman or transfer juniors, have to take is Wilderness Orientation. This three week back packing trip through Arizona acts not only as an introduction to Prescott College and it's ideals, but also as the most comprehensive classroom you could ask for. My "tribe" of eight students and two fearless instructors journeyed through the East Verde river canyons and the Mazatal Mountain range. From sun up to sun down we processed topics ranging from local flora and fauna to group dynamics and communication styles. The wilderness was our laboratory for investigating the intricate workings of the natural world and our relationship within that world. We could not have gotten such a rich understanding had we been cooped up in a traditional classroom. The phenomenal educators here at P.C. understand that and in all areas of study, from Arts and Letters to Adventure Education, students are taken out into the field to receive hands on learning. I have been deeply effected by this non-traditional approach to the acquisition of knowledge and know that you will be too.