Gaspe High School - Students learning to organize a cultural exchange trip

At Gaspe High School, Teacher Ellen Smith worked across several competency areas to teach students leadership and organizing skills while learning more about Mi’kmaq culture during 2 night / 3 day visit to the Gesgepegiac Reserve. Powerful lessons were learned along the way.

Secondary Cycle 2 students were supported with workshops from community partner organizations, for example Carrefour Jeunesse Emploi and Compass (CASA) and many class activities related to group dynamics and planning.  Ms.Smith notes, “My baseline goal was to encourage the Cycle II students to learn how to establish a plan, and set realistic goals using the SMART concept.

Assessment of skills was very serious. In fact he Sec V group was unable to demonstrate negotiation and compromise with each other in their decision-making process while planning the trip. In the end this unfortunately resulted in the group not being involved in the trip. “The biggest lesson learned was demonstrated by the twelve Sec IV students who accomplished all the necessary steps which resulted in an organized educational trip,” explained Ms.Smith. “Sec V could not believe how Sec IV were so inspired and used concept mapping to help them clearly outline what had to be done.”

During the trip the students had full days of activities, many led by Mi’kmaq elders, including the opportunity to make drums using elk skin. Designated groups of students took turns preparing and organizing meals, and everyone helped to clean up. Through-out the trip, students were evaluated based on a leadership inventory. This included individual problem solving, which in the end had a noticeable affect on self-esteem building.

Summarizing the impact of the trip, Ms.Smith notes, “It was a tremendous experience for all of us; there are no words to describe the feeling of sitting around a campfire in Maria, Baie des Chaleurs following a full day of activities with Mi’kmaq Elders. Over 3 days we learned & evolved as a group. It was a pleasure getting to know my students on a whole new level; This is what memories are made of.”