Promoting Discussion

Getting Better at Letting Go as an Instructor

The first time I led NSI: Nature Scene Investigators, it was a total flop.

BEETLES Strategies in History Programming

The Ocean Institute reflects on how BEETLES approaches apply across disciplines, describing how student and nature-centered teaching strengthened their history programming.

The Whole Enchilada: How We Transformed Our Program Through BEETLES

Gregory Bahr of San Joaquin Outdoor Education shared how he used BEETLES approaches and resources to shift organizational practices to support student-centered and nature-centered teaching.

Working with Large Groups: Interview with Korena David

Korena David of Foothill Horizons Outdoor School shares tips and techniques for engaging groups of 30+ students in student and nature-centered learning.

Constructing Understanding

There is a large amount of research on how people learn. This session breaks that information down and shows instructors how they can apply that knowledge to their teaching.

Promoting Discussion

Discussion is an essential part of learning. This session provides valuable knowledge, strategies, and discussion practice to help instructors develop their discussion-leading skills.

Questioning Strategies

This session focuses on how to use questions to encourage student exploration and learning, and how instructors’ behaviors may encourage or discourage student exploration and learning.

Preparing Chaperones for Outdoor Science

Chaperones are integral parts of outdoor science programs. This short guide includes three versions of what an instructor or program leader could do with chaperones to prepare them specifically to support outdoor science learning and the group’s nature exploration.

Designing Outdoor Science and Environmental Education Distance Learning Experiences

What can effective virtual outdoor science experiences look like? This blog post offers examples and ideas.

What Would You Do?

This activity is a routine that can help develop such a reflective learning culture on your staff.

Discussion Strategy Videos

This series of video offers ideas on building a culture of discussion, responding to students, engaging students in argument, and supporting language learners.

Student Activity Videos

This series of short videos of BEETLES student activities is meant to be used with the Guide to Using Videos for Reflective Process.

How to Use Videos for Building Reflective Practice

Establishing reflective structures, like watching instructional videos together and discussing them, can help nurture a culture of reflection and growth among staff.

Encouraging Student Discussion & Productive Talk

Discussion is key to learning. These resources provide ideas, tools, and routines to support instructors to develop skills required to lead productive, meaning-making discussions.