Learning Is An Unsteady Path

Have you completed one of those zip-line courses? Crazy yet exhilarating "walks" up in the air with latches, harnesses, ropes, and amazing views. I recently completed my 3rd such trek, at the @BrevardZoo, with my son. We chose the difficult/expert course because he's much younger and stronger than I am (spoiler: after 2 1/2 hrs, we split off back to the moderate course as my old guy arms and legs were exhausted).

Anyhow. As I stepped cautiously, one foot then the other, constantly checking my harness and the c-clamp thingamajig, I kept thinking about education. Our day started with a course expert who showed us all the equipment, helped us put on the gear, and allowed us time to practice on a mini-course. He watched and made sure we knew how to place the clamp the correct way when we transitioned from a walking path to a zip line and back. There were specific instructions for using the ladders - oh! and watch out for the very odd cross bar because the clamp works differently on those. I admit that I did this well in practice but the first two times I encountered them on the real course, I struggled and was concerned I'd get stuck there, needing to call on a guide to come help (how embarrassing that would be as my son charged ahead).

So, the education analogy is probably clear. A good lesson/unit starts with an expert introduction. Highlight the key information, allow time to practice and review and make sure the student is ready to step out alone. Even though the student walks independently, let him or her know that you are close by - watching for certain signals and reminding them where to step next if they need some guidance. On our trek there were 'Water Stations' where we could jump off the trail and have a break if we wanted it. Learning is the same, students do not need to rush through from start to finish every time. Let them know when it might be a good idea to take a break, regroup, stretch, talk about any issues they have experienced and plan for the next steps. Sometimes the path changes. Occasionally we had flat boards and two ropes to guide us. Other time we had small circular pieces. Since my son went first, I watched him carefully to see how he balanced and where he put his weight or grabbed onto a rope. Learn from others around you.

Of course, even after watching him use a surfboard-like contraption to slide across to another platform I still didn't get it. I asked for help and he yelled back at me with step by step instructions. That helped. As soon as I stepped out - slip! I was dangling from the wire, thank goodness I listed to the lesson about securing the clamp correctly! Seeing no other way I just pulled myself about an inch at a time and eventually made it to the platform. My son looked at me and laughed. Then said "nice job, let's keep moving."

Since this trek was at a zoo, there were also several opportunities to walk or zip by the animals. We got a glimpse of a baby chimpanzee being nestled by its parents. I made the mistake of looking down as I zipped over one lagoon and saw about a half dozen alligators - all of whom seemed to being staring up at me eagerly.....And I realized that an Anteater looks very bizarre from up in the air