Lakehead U Professor Honoured for Work as Experiential Teacher

(Thunder Bay - September 29, 2004) A Lakehead University professor has been honoured for his work as an experiential teacher. Dr. Tom G. Potter, of the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (ORPT) at Lakehead U, has received the Outstanding Experiential Teacher of the Year Award from the Association of Experiential Education (AEE).

The AEE defines experiential education as "a philosophy and methodology in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, and clarify values."

This award is given out to a teacher who has demonstrated an active passion for experiential education principles and theories in the teaching practice; must have practiced innovative, experiential education methodologies in a public or private school system for a least three years prior to nomination of the award; and must have consistently practiced the highest ethical standards in working with students.

"Tom is a role model for many faculty and students at the University," says Dr. Tim O'Connell, a fellow ORPT professor at Lakehead. "His innovative teaching methods ensure students are fully involved in the learning process."

Dr. Potter has over 20 years of experience teaching in this style. He was named Lakehead's Distinguished Teacher of the Year for the 2002/2003 academic year.

"Experiential education can be one of the most powerful forms of teaching," says Dr. Potter. "It can be extraordinarily meaningful for students, reach a variety of learning styles and empower students to become responsible for their own learning."

Experiential teaching requires the learner to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for the results. The learner is engaged in the learning process by solving problems, investigating, and experimenting, among other things. Dr. Potter says experiential education can form the basis for the individual's future experience and learning. In his teaching, he uses experiential methods to connect theory to practise.

He adds that many of the faculty in the ORPT School adhere to this philosophy and style of teaching, and, in reality, this award is for the entire School, not only for him.

"It's important to realize that we have a great team in ORPT -- it's a great School with amazing staff and students. We work as a team, and this award reflects the accomplishments of everyone."

Dr. Potter is available to speak with the media about his award. He may be reached directly by calling 343-8843.

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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177
Tom Potter, Lakehead University, 807-343-8843