By JoAnn Groh
Tucson, Arizona just successfully experienced its first ever Edcamp and we would like to spread the word to our SRI colleagues that it’s definitely something to consider. In many ways, the philosophy of Edcamps, which have evolved from the unconference and open space technology formats, is consistent with the values of our work. Most importantly it’s about educators in dialogue with each other about matters they are passionate about in order to improve practice. Sound familiar?
If you are unfamiliar with the format, I recommend checking out the Edcamp website (edcamp.org) and/or watching some youtube videos to see the format in action. In brief, at the beginning of the day a facilitator encourages participants to volunteer topics/questions they would like to discuss, those topics are placed on a board representing times/rooms and violá! the day is planned.
If you are still unconvinced here are my top 3 reasons to do an Edcamp:
1) The Preparation is minimal – For the most part, the preparation for this event consists of getting the word out. This was our first and it basically consisted of four people meeting three times for an hour each time with a few hours of work in between.
2) The Learning is limitless – Edcamp’s most fundamental principle is the Law of Two Feet which requires people to attend whatever session they believe will be the most valuable for them. If the learning is not happening in one session, they are given permission, in fact they are exhorted, to leave to find where it is optimal.
3) The Networking is invaluable – Edcamps are hierarchy free; all participants are learners and teachers. The nature of sessions comprised of colleagues in dialogue for shared learning makes it easy to forge new connections with like minded educators.
If you are interested in hosting an Edcamp, the national organization is extremely helpful, but we in Tucson are also happy to answer questions and lend some encouragement. Our work is so complicated, multi-layered and important; anything that is free and accessible that powerfully impacts our learning is worth looking into!
Connect with JoAnn Groh, Principal of Paulo Freire Freedom School-Downtown and SRI Affiliate. You can email her directly: jgroh@elpueblointegral.org.
