The EIC Model (Week 7)

In ESCI 310 this week (7, as week 6 was reading week) we focused on the EIC model. EIC stands for using the environment as an integrating context for improving student learning. This model reminded me of a combination of place based learning and using the land as a text. This model is based upon 6 instructional practices:

1. Integrated-interdisciplinary instruction: Breaking down traditional boundaries between disciplines
2. Community based investigations: Learning experiences that offer both minds-on and hands-on experiences through service learning opportunities
3. Collaborative instruction: allowing teachers, parents, students and community members to connect together instruction and learning
4. Learner-centred, constructivist approaches: adapted to the needs and unique abilities of individual students
5. Combinations of independent and cooperative learning: self explanatory
6. Local natural and community surroundings: the venue for connecting together these pedagogies to improve teaching and learning

Source: http://www.seer.org/pages/eic.html

We looked into a fifth grade curriculum at the Seven Generations Charter School based upon the EIC model. To employ this model students are integrated into 3 project based units (Systems: survive and Thrive, Seven Generations Ago, and Nature’s Pollinators) that use the local environment and community for learning.

I made a personal connection to the last unit and it got me thinking about what I could do in my own personal classroom. For those of you that don’t know, I am a beekeeper! So I have a deep connection to pollinators and it is something I am very passionate about. I see a lot of potential with a unit like this.

Source: https://sevengenerationsschool.org/curriculum/fifth-grade-eic/

Lastly, we looked into a resource from Green Heart Education, in this resource the benefits of the EIC model were listed:

• Better performance on standardized measures on academic achievements
• Reduced discipline and classroom management problems
• Increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning and
• Greater pride and ownership in accomplishments.

I enjoyed how the benefits of this model were listed because it gives us the “why” for our teaching. A lot of times we are given the “how” to teach a concept or model but never the why, this gave me some concrete reasons to implement this model. This resource ended with a powerful quote that I enjoyed because it also shared the “why” of the EIC model and wanted to share it with you: “The EIC Model™ (using the Environment as an Integrating Context for improving student learning) ‘interconnects ‘best practices’ in education into an instructional tapestry that improves student achievement by using local natural and community surroundings as a context for learning.'”

I am very excited to have the opportunity to apply this model in the clasroom.

Source: https://www.greenhearted.org/environment-as-integrating-context.html