A: This is one of the main reasons I became involved in the Ex Club. As a 4th year teacher in Oxnard, California, at a school of almost 3,000 students, which is in program improvement and, as a result, there is a huge emphasis on test scores, state standards, etc., the expedition club is a refreshing example of how experiential/authentic learning is what has the biggest impact and changes lives. I have never met a person, whether it be a student or an adult, who said that reading a text book, answering a multiple choice test question, or filling out a worksheet changed their life. I haven't heard it because it doesn't happen. Experiences, community, and human connections change our lives. On the Phapang expedition, the lives of both the Americans and the Thais are being changed in dramatic ways through the connections being made and shared experiences. This trip and this typed of learning unfortunately is so special because it is so rare. In all my years as a student and my four years as an educator, I have only encountered a handful of teachers that put in a fraction of the passion and dedication that Robbie has to the teaching profession, or who are willing to take the risks. Similarly, I have not met many, if any, who have had the same impact on as many people.
A: I want to be able to create similar programs and experiences for my students in Oxnard. However, Robbie's style is a rarity, and as a new teacher it is hard to take the risks and assume the liability necessary to create such amazing, life-altering experiences. Anyone can ask a student to read chapter 8 and answer the questions at the end, few people can actually foster true learning experiences. I hope/strive to become a teacher capable of doing the latter.
A: Robbie was my CWP teacher my senior year of high school. His programs, such as the United Nations simulation, Urban Plunge, Neskowin and the Walkabout, are what I remember most from my academic experience at Port Townsend High. He has a remarkable gift for connecting with students, creating a relationship based on mutual trust and respect, and challenging them to become better (more educated, responsible, and real). I never thought I wanted to be a teacher before having Robbie as a teacher, and since chose to take this path he has been a constant inspiration and challenge.
A: I believe the impact is enormous, larger than life, and more immense than anything Robbie could have hoped for. It has become bigger than Robbie. In Port Townsend, Robbie has created an opportunity for students that does not exist everywhere. When I was a student in PT I had those opportunities open to me as a student in public school. I can tell you as an educator at a large school, where a lot of opportunities are presented to students, my students have nothing comparable in terms of experiential learning/learning communities. Robbie's programs have made educational opportunities in PT unique and extraordinary.
In terms of Phapang, I have less insight on before and after. I have only experienced Phapang from a post-Robbie perspective. However, I have never seen or experienced such an intimate joyful welcoming or heartfelt departure, as was given by the people of Phapang to Robbie and the expedition club. The teachers, Arwon in particular, our family, P'Tam, P'Tukta, P'Jott and Marabiya, it is unbelievable how much each one of these people have given to Robbie and the expedition club because of how much they believe in its benefit for the village. To be able to speak English is such an asset for the Thai, especially for young women, and the village of Phapang is currently surpassing the other villages in English skills in a large part because of the enthusiasm inspired by the expedition club. Games, spoons, singing, dancing, rock, paper, scissors, laughing, eating, and teaching, are all activities that have created a lasting connection between the students in Phapang and the Americans. The impact of this is immeasurable.
A: I am 28… teach World History (10th grade) and World Geography (9th grade). My present goals for both myself personally and my career are to continue learning and challenging myself. I don't want to settle being satisfied with the status quo, take risks and hopefully inspire some of my students to do the same.