“Some things need to be earned”

A major component of the experiential learning cycle is reflection on the experience.  Some say that without reflection the experience itself was meaningless.  To that end, our students took some time to reflect on their Owl Calling expedition and I’d like to share some of their insights.

What were the feelings you experienced on the trip that you most enjoyed?

“I think the feelings I most enjoyed were accomplishment of the hard challenges and then the fun we had while dissecting owl pellets.” – Kate H.

“Happiness and excitement!” – Kylie R.

“I experienced accomplishment after finishing the hiking trails and loved rock climbing!” – Connor W.

“The feeling of having fun in a familiar environment was great!” – Jack R.

“Accomplishing goals that needed teamwork.” – Grayson M.

What were the feelings you experienced on the trip that you least enjoyed?

“When we found no owls.” – Simon L.

Specifically, how did the group work together?

“Great!  Because when someone did not do the right thing we all stepped in to help.” – Kylie R.

“We worked together by planning ahead and working together to include everyone’s voice” – Cooper M.

Specifically, how did the group make decisions?

“We gave our reasons and tried to come to agreeing points.” – Jack R.

What did you discover about yourself? The group?

“That we can really do a good job working together if we put our mind to it.” – Noor H.

“Some people rush, but others take their time.” – Jack R.

“I discovered I am an outdoors person!” – Kylie R.

“I discovered some things need to be earned and that the group cares for other people” – Bryce M.

Who are we tending to take seriously and why?

“We are tending to take seriously the people who usually pay attention.” – Aiden C.

“We should take everyone seriously, because you never know if they have a good idea.” – Michael T.

How much talking vs listening was done by the group (during the group challenges)?

“I think we did a lot of both by communicating and listening to everyone’s feedback so we could do better at the challenges” – Kyle B.

What differences did you notice about other group members’ styles of communication?

“Some would yell so everyone heard them, and some would listen and build off other people’s ideas.” – Katy F.

“Some would expect you to know what they were thinking.” – Jane L.

What did you learn about the way you communicate that will be helpful later?

“You do not communicate by yelling.” – Aiden C.

“I think I learned that I like to communicate when people are giving their attention to me, so I will try to state my ideas when people are quiet.” – Kate H.

“If you don’t communicate well you will never achieve a goal.  If you do, you’ll exceed everything.” – Harrison M.

“I learned that you need to adapt to each way everyone communicates.” – Cooper M.

“I am very verbal.  It will help me listen more.” – Jane L.

“Say stuff loudly only when necessary. People won’t take you seriously if you shout too much.” – Jack R.

What would be helpful to change in order for the group to be more successful in the future?

“If we would be quiet so people could express their ideas to the whole group.” – Katy F.

“Probably spending more time making plans.” – Grayson M.

“I think it would be helpful to have each person present their idea (with no interruptions) and then have the group decide if it’s good.” – Kate H.

“Don’t get mad when somebody messes up.” – Dawson H.

“To give other people a chance to share their thoughts.” – Michael T.

Did you make a difference during the trip?  What did you contribute?

“I contributed by cheering up some people when they were sad.” – Aiden C.

What specific memories, or visuals, will you take away from this trip’s experience?

“That when you go owling, if you try 5 times but no response… you don’t give up!” – Kyle B.

“It was so beautiful, rain or shine.  It really will stick with me for a long time.” – Jack R.