PCSD Teachers Rock: How Rock Canyon is Helping Teachers Learn

August 17th, 2018 /
Shauna Sprunger /
Elementary School, News, Programs/Opportunities, Schools, Teaching and Learning

Provo City School District teachers are always working to improve their educational skills through taking professional development classes. However, one class is taking them out of the traditional classroom setting and into Rock Canyon.

This Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) course, entitled “Nature and Place-Based Instruction”, focuses on student engagement, teacher clarity and feedback. The teachers met at Rock Canyon where they were able to meet with an environmental expert from the Utah Native Plant Society. The expert was able to help the teachers explore the gardens and plants at the base of the canyon.

Through this activity, the teachers were able to learn and discuss how to give students a meaningful context for learning. Not only this, but they were able to become more familiar with Rock Canyon with the help of the environmental expert.

This was the first session of this professional development class and the next session will meet in October. The next session will focus on the geological features of Rock Canyon and how the teachers can use the area as a resource for teaching.