Students become the teachers

Once again I find myself wondering how I got so lucky. I'm able to explore the Costa Rican rainforest with my insightful students and wonderful colleagues. It's been such a gift to spend time exploring the world outside of the traditional classroom setting. The students are absorbing information, synthesizing ideas, and drawing connections so naturally that this old English teacher's brain is working hard to keep up with them. I've had the pleasure of listening to them have intense conversations with veteran scientists and researchers about old growth forests and bio-indicators and micro-ecosystems. When we discuss these things during mealtime, the students become my teachers and I'm really enjoying learning from them. As I write this, the students are engaged in a workshop facilitated by Amanda, our expert on bats. I can't wait to see the student projects and presentations that are produced from this incredible experience.