Followed an interesting conversation on Friday between Kenny O' Donnell, who teaches near Glasgow and runs one of the most useful geography teacher blogs that are out there: full of reflective posts on his pedagogical adventures, and a farmer in Norfolk.
Gerald Chalmers is a friend of mine, and lives on a mixed farm near Bircham in the west of the county.
The reason I could "listen in" was that both of them were using Twitter.
Thanks to Angus Willson for the screendump
Kenny had arranged with Gerry that he was going to have a lesson that day. Some questions that had been prepared in advance were sent, and Gerry provided answers. Others were asked during the hour that the 'conversation' took place.
The students asked some very interesting questions. Kenny has blogged about the lesson HERE, along with a range of screen dumps.
Conversation included topics such as:
- Organic farming & pesticide use
- Impact of quotas and removal of setaside
- Issues of staffing
- Impact of recession and rising prices of fuel and other costs
- Profitability of pig farming
- The difficulties of running a small-scale operation
Richard Benson's excellent book "The Farm" was mentioned, as was the diversification evident at the nearby SNETTISHAM PARK FARM, and the more famous JIMMY's FARM near Ipswich.
To follow Kenny on Twitter: @Kenny73
To follow Gerald Chalmers on Twitter: @Farmerchalmers
This technique of inviting an expert "into" the classroom could be a useful tool for those who want an expert voice, but have a limited budget.
It's an alternative form of "hotseating" as well...
Let me know of any thoughts...
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