I learn best when surrounded by nature, dogs, and hippies lessons learned from a northern alternative school: an ethnographic study

The Carcross Community Education Centre (CCEC) was an educational experiment that operated during the 1970's in the Yukon. I was involved in the school as a summer worker, student and parent member. No evaluation of this experiment has been undertaken although various former community members have documented and reflected on the experience. I surveyed 109 former community members to evaluate CCEC's impact, especially on the educational pursuits and careers of former students. Respondents reported that relationships and a sense of community, engagement and authentic learning, opportunities to learn in more hands-on ways, and a supportive environment all contributed to their later success in life, as reflected in high levels of post-secondary education and significant contributions to the adult communities where they live. Implications for current teaching practice include increasing student engagement by providing more hands-on and authentic learning experiences, and a greater focus on teacher-student relationships and the impact of the environments in which students learn. --Leaf ii.