Tag Archives: Self

Evaluation

Experience: the architecture of understanding

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During my first few days in Singapore, I struggled to see nature as I knew it. Let me take you on a short photo journey of my personal development and understanding of nature and Outdoor and Environmental Education (OEE) in Singapore and compare and contrast this with Australia.

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A view of the high ropes course at our accommodation

This is what I woke up to on day 1; beautiful! I was up and ready to explore. We went to Gardens By the Bay and visited the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Super Trees. I was blown away by the architecture, beauty and information provided not only at these locations, but at many others throughout the trip. However it was only when we got to week two that I actually thought to myself: ”Wait a minute…what do these places do for OEE in Singapore?”  

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Reflections

We may be small in size, but we are large in character

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The fact that Singapore stretches a tiny 42km across and 20km from top to bottom may appear like a limiting factor in terms of utilising the environment as a platform to build a stronger mentality, but you would be wrong! From what I have seen Singapore has high values in regards to developing a strong and resilient society. They understand the significance of developing self and how crucial the character traits are in directing the country into the future. However, in saying this you may wonder how they aim to achieve this? Surely it doesn’t just occur on it’s own?

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Reflections

Who I Am…

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I have it inside, I know that I do, all that I am is gonna break through.
‘Who I am’
~ Natasha Bedingfield ~

There are many areas of learning that are encompassed within Outdoor Education, but the one area that I think is the least obvious is the learning about oneself. I feel that this is one of the most influential learning areas that Outdoor Education explores as it contributes to making us who we are.

Challenges, struggles, achievement and excitement are all part of being an outdoor edder. These experiences occur on a regular basis throughout the activities that we do and are instrumental in building and establishing ones’ sense of self. Singapore has been no different for me, there have been struggles with the heat, challenges in maintaining emotions and morale, achievement in completing a challenge ropes course for the first time and excitement at flying across a tree top canopy on a zip line.

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Discoveries, Reflections, Thoughts and feelings

Travel with Fin, a man tall and thin.

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Travel with Fin, a man tall and thin.
In a place full of buildings, he finds beauty within.
Surrounded by those who look different to him.
Fin begins to realise that they are his kin.

Fin’s travels started as he stepped off the plane
Ducking his head to avoid the pain.
His first thoughts were “wow this place just isn’t for me”
“Ducking and squeezing, too crowded you see”.

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Reflections

Get up! But don’t ever give up – Michael Irvin

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Buongiorno Internet!

I’d like to share a quote with you that I came across whilst visiting Raffles Institution. It reads:

“Being a Singaporean is not a matter of ancestry. It is a conviction and a choice”

“Conviction and a choice” Wow. I’m sitting here so inspired by this quote and how accurately it describes my interactions with Singaporeans since I arrived over a week ago. This quote gets my adrenalin going much like when I visited Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) and saw their motto, shared by all Outward Bound centres worldwide:

“To Serve, to Strive, and to not Yield”

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Reflections, Thoughts and feelings

And Not to Yield

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I distinctly remember thinking “what an interesting phrase to include in a mission statement” as we were watching videos about the history of Outward Bound Singapore. “And not to yield”, isn’t that implied in a program like this? Sure it is important but does it really need to be expressly written in the statement? Is there a more important outcome that could be in its place?

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Reflections

‘Speak now, or forever hold your peace’…

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I was pretty adamant about keeping both feet firmly on the ground during the high ropes activity.  I was very nervous about heights, however, today seemed different. Our facilitators took a different approach, particularly emphasising teamwork, persistence, resilience and to not leave a mate behind.

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Reflections

Thank you Singapore For All You Have Taught Me

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I have written a poem about how Singapoe has changed my views on life – why I value OE and the importance of creating a connection with a natural place, especially in a country that has so little left. The power of humanity and finding peace, in a country with such diverse cultures. It has made me really reconsider the way in which I will go about life from now on… in terms of the way I approach other cultures, the way inwhich I instill values in my students and the way I look at Australia (the lucky country).

Singapore a new place I have never been,
Has allowed me to reflect on everything I have seen.

A place of such greatness and success,
That has come out thriving from such duress.

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