As I proceeded, my colleagues became progressively more frustrated. Before my eyes I saw this small concept affect a room full of professional educators. That s when I realized my intractable attitude was hurting both my students and myself. Dr. Barbara Stevenson, a professor of Medieval literature and 20-year teaching veteran from Kennesaw State University, experienced her educator epiphany during the summer of 1997. She said participating in group projects at GTFP, where she experienced the effects of learning exercises first hand, illustrated how teaching must be hands-on and experiential to be effective.
Students simply learn better when they have a personal experience with the subject matter.
She now introduces students to Kennesaw s Rare Books Room, where they feel and handle manuscripts from the Middle Ages. Students learning culminates in group projects that encourage them to dress in Medieval garb, act out scenes from their readings and prepare food from Medieval recipes. Whatever their project, Stevenson s students benefit from her GTFP training as they experience Medieval literature in ways that feel, smell, sound and taste meaningful. Stevenson s post-GTFP teaching methods are conspicuously unique compared to some college professors . She said the disparity exists because most professors have never learned education techniques through pedagogical courses and don t reach beyond traditional lectures to engage their students and facilitate learning.