Faculty Spotlight | Dr. Drew Gossen
An Outdoor Learning Approach to Science Education
Dr. Drew Gossen, Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education, is preparing the next generation of science teachers through quality evidence-based practices and innovative approaches. When preservice teachers enter his classroom, he wants them to be a part of the culture of inquiry, where questions, failures, and “aha” moments are a normal part of the learning process. He strives to model effective teaching strategies while students develop both their scientific knowledge and skills alongside teaching methods. According to Dr. Gossen, there are two features that make teachers truly impactful: positive relationships with students and the ability to convey genuine love for the subject. For these reasons, the core of his class is showing students how to love science and love teaching.
One way Dr. Gossen shares his love of science is by bringing his science class outside. Sometimes they visit the Glenn Sebastian Nature Trails, or they take farther field trips. Other times they go to spaces right outside the classroom. During these experiences, students explore the benefits of outdoor learning and discover activities that they can apply in their own science classrooms to help young learners engage with the world around them. These activities begin with guided and independent exploration, training students to identify potential learning spaces in their own future schoolyards. From there, these future teachers dive into grade-specific activities, such as investigating ecological interactions and identifying the connection between plant structure and function. Throughout the experience, Dr. Gossen focuses on pedagogical tools for teachers while also emphasizing elements of scientific thinking. He aims to equip future teachers with essential career skills while also empowering them to engage their young students in activities that promote lifelong science learning.
“I want them to think about how science is done in many venues, and scientists do their jobs in many different ways.” Dr. Gossen adds. “We also discuss how there are many types of scientists who do their work outdoors. This is a way of doing science.” Students reflect on these outdoor experiences with the idea that they are not just writing lesson plans, they are preparing to inspire the next generation of scientists.
The outdoor learning activity consistently resonates with his students, who describe it as one of the most meaningful activities in the course. Students shared: “it made me realize that being outside truly makes students curious” and “it’s another way to deepen a student’s connection to the concepts because they are in the middle of everything…I will carry that into my classroom.”
Dr. Gossen shares, "They love the opportunity to learn in a different environment, and many students find ways to express themselves in new and creative ways."
Fun Facts!
Dr. Gossen is a big fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team. He enjoys all kinds of activities from sports (including the Jags!), music (mostly country) to traveling and camping with his large family of seven kids, aged 8-19.
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