Wednesday, August 11, 2010

(First) Tinkering School Visit

Due to the fact that my only sister learned to paraglide from Gever Tulley we have had family involvement in Tinkering School for years now. My sister has helped with planning and implementing Tinkering School for several years (you can see her in pictures in Gever's TED talks). Two years ago my parents went out to help with one week. Somehow, however, I had never managed to go. (My daughters and I have been lucky enough to spend time with Gever and his wife, Julie, on a couple of occasions.)

On our first full day in California we headed down to the Tinkering School location. It was the final day for the seniors (the older group) so we got to see the results of all their thinking, tinkering, and work.

They spent the week working toward the structures you see here. They were created with pallets, eucalyptus, and twine. Impressive. You can read a lot more about this on the Tinkering School blog. They slept in these structures the last night.

The thing that impresses me most about Gever, and seeing him at Tinkering School just reinforced this, is that none of this is about him. I'm not saying that as well as I would hope, but I can't figure out a better way. Gever almost fades to the background. He's there and aware of everything going on, available to help anyone who needs it, but never forcing himself on anything or into anyone's work.

There's a lesson in that for teachers.

3 comments:

Joe Virant said...

Wow! How have I missed Gever and his work? Great reflection.

sylvia martinez said...

Would love to see this someday as well! I really love his TED talk, it's short and sweet, with a great voiceover that speaks to the educational impact of the experiences you see onscreen with clarity.

Launa Hall said...

I love these photos, and I love that you had the chance to experience this school in person. Ever since I saw the TED talks, I've been telling everyone about the Tinkering School. I'd love to go someday, too!