The Value of Hands-On Learning

In post-workshop surveys, the hands-on activities were frequently praised as the most informative parts of the workshops. As Ruby and Andrea described, the hands-on aspects of the workshop helped them connect the knowledge they already had to the new information being presented. Additionally, the hand-on components generated conversation that allowed participants with varying levels of knowledge to share and learn from one another.

Ali: So what do you think of the workshop on climate change?

Andrea: It was informative. It was informative. I think having it interactive too was, it kind of woke up the crowd, because it's always good to have people talking to you, but if you could like touch it, feel it, like hands-on-

Ruby: And see it-

Andrea: And so I loved that little blow-up house that you guys had on air. That's why I froze for those many years, it was all the air going out. Once you seal the front, seal this seal that, a whole difference.

 

Andrea: But there was a lot of information we kind of know, but it's good to know that other people are learning as well. So I really felt a good impact with it, and there were a lot of people in there that did not know. Like we were there sitting at our table, we talked to them a lot about different stuff that was in with the mold and places to go and things of that nature. So, I like it.

 

In addition to the workshops giving participants a place to share their knowledge, Ruby reflected that since the workshop she had been sharing the information she had learned with other members of her community. If she had her way, information like this would be a standard part of education, starting early to ensure kids grew up with this knowledge instead of having to search for it later in life.

Ruby: If you get your kids involved early on, and like you said, learning about climate change. We can teach our kids now, especially through STEM programs, agriculture, energy, efficiency. Look at the windmills, so many different options.  We need to learn alternatives. Like I said, solar panels, I would love a solar panel hooked up to my house. And, that's about it. And we keep going to different classes that you offer. That's where we started. We need to know preparedness, we need to know what building, where to go, what to do. I look out for my neighbor, 80 years old next door. I gave them the same information that I learned at the workshop.