The anatomy of a perfect field trip

1. Relevant standards, objectives and goals
2. Engaging and meaningful experience
3. Authentic assessment
   
4. Fun
5. No, seriously....FUN

Our host teacher, Rosalia, has created incredible opportunities for her students in her English classes while we have been guests of her school. Today's activity was a 2-hour field trip for the students, and we TGCers were along for the ride of a lifetime.

Rosalia rented a Chiva -- a type of tour/ party bus in Colombia. We all piled into the bus with a sound system that broadcast the thoughtful research and presentation of 11th grade students and alumni from Bertha Gedeón about the monuments and history of Cartagena and.....MUSICA! Oh, there was music! And singing! And dancing!

It was joyous learning in one of the most profound ways I have ever experienced. Because there was learning before, during, and I imagine, after the field trip. Students were learning in English - listening and speaking in English. They were building English language skills through the context of the history of their city.

It was authentic learning at its finest and it was joyful. Beyond joyful, really. There was so much love, hope, energy.....ah, there was so much potential on that Chiva, barreling down the road at 40mph. All that potential of these beautiful young people alive in our world -- well, we are a lucky world.