LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY—
IN DOING ONE LEARNS
Welcome and thank you for your interest in the FSM Vernacular Language Arts (VLA) This section highlights the island teaching and learning strategy known as "in doing, one learns", also referred to as hands-on or experiential learning. Additional strategies will be discussed in the next section. Traditionally, children in FSM communities learned by being present alongside adults as they worked—whether in canoe houses, cookhouses, on land, or on the ocean. By observing, imitating, and participating, children acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to sustain themselves and their culture.
In school, students respond positively to experiential learning activities such as games, field trips, mapping exercises, and community service, which mirror this traditional approach and reinforce learning through active engagement.
SOME TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES
1. Preparation and planning
- Check student readiness: Ensure students have prior knowledge or skills needed for the activity.
- Introduce the activity in advance: Explain the purpose, goals, and expected outcomes so students understand why they are doing the activity.
- Set expectations: Discuss what students will see, do, and learn, and explain the behavior and safety guidelines.
- Provide background knowledge: Share relevant cultural, historical, or scientific context so students can engage meaningfully.
- Gather necessary permissions: Obtain consent from parents or community members if required.
- Build excitement: Use stories, videos, or small hands-on previews to spark curiosity and interest.
- Assign roles: Let students know any specific responsibilities or tasks during the activity to maximize participation.
- Encourage reflection: Ask students to think about what they hope to learn or questions they might explore.
2. Resources and materials
- Prepare materials and supplies: Ensure all items needed for the activity are prepared in advance.
- Usage instructions: Make sure students know how to use materials safely and respectfully, especially if they are culturally significant items.
- Backups: Have backup materials or alternatives in case something is missing or damaged.
3. Logistics and coordination
- Planning: Plan transportation if required.
- Timing: Schedule any outdoor activities on the beach or on the water at times when the tides are suitable.
- Coordination: Check with community members or institutions involved to confirm availability and roles.
4. Safety first
- Student-specific needs: Check for allergies, medical conditions, or mobility issues and plan accordingly.
- Preparedness: Ensure students have water and any safety gear that may be needed for outdoor activities.
- Adult supervision: Maintain a safe adult-to-student ratio.
- First aid: Bring a first aid kit and ensure you know the procedure for emergencies.
- Emergency communication: Have a reliable way to contact emergency services or school administrators.
- Outdoor site safety: Inspect sites for hazards such as holes, unstable rocks, or other risks; check weather and ocean conditions.
- Indoor site safety: Know the location of exits and evacuation plans in case of emergencies.
5. Cultural protocols
- Permissions: Learn and practice the proper way to ask permission to enter a site or conduct interviews.
- Cultural restrictions: Know which areas, objects, or activities are off-limits and why.
- Appropriate language: Use respectful and appropriate language with hosts and community members and be aware of any place-specific language required in certain sites.
- Thank your hosts: Follow proper protocols to thank and show appreciation to hosts at the end of a visit.
- Follow-up etiquette: After interviews or visits, students can write thank-you notes or share a report to show respect.
6. Clear behavior expectations
- Ensure fairness: Make sure all students understand the rules of games or activities.
- Collaboration and teamwork: Encourage students to work together respectfully and support one another.
- Active participation: Make sure all students are included and understand their roles.
- Respectful behavior: Teach and model proper behavior, including both actions and words.
- Self-monitoring: Teach students to recognize and correct their own behavior if it deviates from expectations.
- Consequences: Be explicit about consequences for not following the rules.
7. Engage the community
- Value community contributions: Acknowledge that parents and community members possess valuable knowledge and skills. They are often eager to help. Involve them in supporting students' learning.
- Share responsibilities: Clearly define what the community, parents, and students are each contributing. Assign specific tasks or roles to participants to support the activity.
- Document the learning: As teachers and community members, don't forget to write notes, take photos, and record results or stories about the activity.
- Celebrate success: Recognize contributions of students and community to build motivation and ownership. Encourage students to share their learning with the community to uplift everyone and help perpetuate cultural knowledge.
8. Reflection and assessment
- Reflect on experience: Encourage students to reflect on their experiences immediately after the activity and later through journals, discussions, or presentations.
- Guiding questions: Offer questions to students to encourage their critical thinking. What did you learn? What surprised you? How could you apply this knowledge in the future?
- Feedback: Include ways for students to self-assess and for teachers/community members to give constructive feedback.