Katy Bigsby
Founder & Education Consultant, REiL Learning
REiL Learning is an educational consultancy supporting school, out of school, and community organizations in their work with tricky or challenging situations in which we feel unsettled and unsure in how to respond. We look at how to grow in self-compassion and understanding of our own triggers, so we can engage and build relationships with the kids and youth in our care. Through our well received workshops and tailored one-on-one consulting sessions, we support teams in designing and delivering meaningful learning for all learners. REiL Learning is a play on words for what is "real" infusing imagination and creativity into the experience of learning. For more information, visit www.REiLlearning.com
Media
Community RoomRadio/Podcast
URL: https://www.communityroombc.com/past-episodes/s3-episode4
The REIL Model - An Engagement and Learning Tool for Marginalized Learners in Non-Formal and Formal Learning Settings
by Katy Bigsby
Published by University of Victoria
May 26, 2020
Through my work as an educational consultant with community and government organizations, I became aware of the impact non-formal learning programs could have on marginalized learners as flexible, self-selective spaces that learners co-create with learning facilitators. For this project, I developed an engagement and learning model to support marginalized children and youth. I’ve named it the REIL model. REIL stands for Rapport, Engage, Imagination & creativity, and Learners. It can be used in non-formal or formal learning settings. Rapport is the ongoing practice of being interested and engaged in all learners. It is the central focus of the model. Rapport is the capacity to support, not manage learners. Engagement happens when learning facilitators provide a flexible, co-created, learner-centered environment in which learners initiate tasks and lead activities. Imagination and creativity allows learners to create alternate possibilities beyond the rigid stereotypes or oppression they may face in their day to day lives. It allows learners to be self-expressed and empowered. Finally, Learners is about knowing your learners. It is the ability to welcome families and communities into your program or the capacity to go out into the community to meet families where they are. It is the courage to acknowledge and discuss structural inequities your learners may face.
This paper highlights ways in which non-formal learning approaches can strengthen connections, opportunities, voice, and ultimately empower marginalized learners.
Biography
Katy is the founder of REiL Learning, an educational consultancy that supports organizations integrate social emotional learning and build creative ways to engage all learners.
Katy holds a master’s degree in educational leadership, specializing in adult education and brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, counsellor, and adult educator.
When Katy is not creating learning opportunities and trainings, she loves walking or biking on the Galloping Goose trail, spending time in her garden, reading, singing, and sitting by the fire in winter with family and friends or sipping a spritzy drink on her back deck in the summer. For more info, visit www.REiLlearning.com
Past Talks
Sooke Family Resource Society
Supporting children who experience anxiety
Sooke, BC, June 6, 2024
Child Care Resource and Referral (Abbotsford)
Quality Out of School Programs
virtual, May 11, 2024
Alberni District Teachers' professional development day
Supporting children who experience anxiety
Port Alberni, BC, May 17, 2024
Sooke Teachers' Association professional development day
Pro-active strategies & Case Scenarios
Sooke, BC, May 17, 2024
Reynolds High School Parents' Advisory Council education event
Pro-active strategies
Reynolds High School, Victoria, BC, January 24, 2024
Kamloops Thompson Teachers' Association professional development day
Pro-active strategies, Case Scenarios & Real-Plays
Kamloops, BC, February 2, 2024
Okanagan-Skaha Teachers' Association professional development day
Keynote + Incorporating social emotional learning + Supporting kids who experience anxiety
Penticton, BC, January 15, 2024
Teachers of Inclusive Education BC Crosscurrents conference 2023
Creatively engaging all learners
virtual, October 20, 2023
Testimonials
It was such a pleasure partnering with Katy at REiL Learning. From the beginning of our planning time together, Katy listened deeply and thoughtfully as she tailored a workshop for over 40 adult learners that work with kids and youth in education, out of school, and recreation programs. Her presentation was fun, engaging and responsive. The participants were so impressed by her knowledge and expertise and walked away feeling informed and inspired. I look forward to working with Katy again soon!
Katy was a fantastic addition to the annual Training Weekend for the Camp Goodtimes team. She provided valuable insight and techniques for working with children presenting challenging behaviours as well as supporting children who experience anxiety. Not only was her workshop informative and engaging, but her approach and presentation style is so open minded and flexible which our team greatly appreciated. She helped prepare our team for an amazing summer at camp, thanks Katy!
Katy Bigsby uses a Social-Emotional Framework to facilitate change with rapport and thoughtful intention. Her unique background in Education and Social Work lends itself to a creative and collaborative approach to increasing engagement in formal and informal education programs. Through her interactive approach, participants are given the opportunity to reflect on their practice and receive feedback in a safe and supportive environment. Katy models how self-care is foundational to fostering environments where youth feel valued and cared for. She provides relevant strategies and up-to-date research with immediate takeaways. Katy is knowledgeable, kind, professional and enthusiastic- I highly recommend her workshops for anyone working with youth and/or young adults.