Share a story about your best learning experience (could be a formal course or something more personal). Why did you enjoy it?
My best learning experience thus far was when I was challenged to water ski for the first time. When I was 12-years old, I went on a field trip to Shawnigan lake with my ukulele group. Every year the new students are required to learn how to water ski; it was a informal requirement set by the director.
A group of new students and I were brought to the dock and suited up with wet suits and life jackets. We were taught how we should be floating in our starting positions, and how we should use the pressure of the water to propel ourselves to standing positions. I remember reiterating to myself every step so I wouldn’t mess up.
Each student took their turn on the water, but I soon realized it was almost my turn. When my name was called, I took a deep breath to calm myself down, and slipped into the water. Let’s just say it was a lot easier to put myself in starting position on land in comparison to in the water. My skies were twice as long as me, and my legs kept pushing behind me instead of being in front of me. However, I shortly got the hang of it.
The boat engine was roaring and the wind was blowing against my hair; I hung onto the handle for my life. I used every muscle in my legs to force myself to extend my legs, and somehow, I stood up.
I enjoyed learning how to water ski, because I knew that I would most likely not get another opportunity. When I pictured myself water ski, I anticipated feeling thrilled, excitement, and being able to do something that most of my friends would probably not have done. Part of me learned this new skill because of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), but another because after I learned how, now I can say that have done it, and it is really fun.
What a fantastic learning experience and such a creative narration of it! You are very brave, I do not think I can do water skiing! By the way, what learning theory do you think was used to teach you how to water ski? Why?
Hey Sujean!
Wow, I have tried to water ski many times & each time, the person driving the boat would just tell me to “lift myself up”. I guess this is where I assumed you used all your arm strength. I have yet to be able to get myself up, after reading your blog, I am going to try to use more of my leg strength than my arms.
Thank you for sharing your story:)
Caitlin