A Conversation with Dr. Troy Frensley on Transformative Ocean Education at I AM WATER Foundation.
When Dr. Troy Frensley first encountered I AM WATER’s Ocean Guardians Workshop, he knew he was witnessing something extraordinary. With decades of experience in environmental research, social science, and outdoor education across 35-40 states, Frensley brings a unique perspective to understanding how learning experiences can truly transform young minds and create meaningful, lasting impact when they move beyond traditional information delivery.
As a researcher affiliated with multiple academic institutions, he has observed hundreds of educational programmes, developing a critical eye for what separates good initiatives from truly transformative ones.
When he first encountered I AM WATER’s Ocean Guardians Workshop, he recognised a programme that went far beyond conventional environmental education. Frensley joined I AM WATER as a collaborator to support the evaluation and research of its Ocean Connection methodology, helping to assess and refine its effectiveness in fostering lasting environmental awareness and personal transformation.
Beyond the Typical Science Class
"What we see in many programmes is essentially 'science class outside'," Frensley explains. "While understanding marine biology is important, it's not enough. I AM WATER does something fundamentally different – they approach education through the whole child."
This holistic approach isn't just educational theory. It's a carefully crafted experience that integrates multiple levels of learning including mindfulness techniques, social-emotional skill development, physical awareness through yoga, breathing exercises, and emotional preparation for new experiences.
Addressing Fear, Building Confidence and Expanding Emotional Capacity
One of the most remarkable aspects of the programme is how it handles students' emotional barriers. "Many outdoor education programmes ignore students' potential fears or uncertainties," Frensley notes. "I AM WATER doesn't just acknowledge these feelings – they lean into them."
During the workshops, coaches guide students through mindfulness exercises directly on the beach. What might initially seem like a playful activity becomes a powerful tool for emotional regulation. Students learn breathing techniques they can apply far beyond their ocean experience – from managing exam stress to navigating challenging social interactions.
The programme's effectiveness isn't just anecdotal. Extensive surveys conducted four months after the workshops revealed profound transformations. One student's quote particularly struck Frensley: "I was able to pass my exam because I did my breathing."
Through applied research, we have learnt that children are implementing these techniques that expand their emotional capacity in other areas of their lives long after the workshop has passed.
The Power of Community Coaches
Another unique aspect of I AM WATER is our commitment to training coaches from the students' own communities. "Imagine an outside educator delivering a programme," Frensley illustrates. "Students can't see themselves reflected in that person. There's no cultural nuance, no authentic connection."
By contrast, I AM WATER deliberately recruits and trains coaches who come from the same communities as the students. This approach creates immediate trust, provides cultural context, offers career development opportunities for local educators and builds a sustainable community pipeline.
Collaborative Evaluation
What truly sets I AM WATER apart is our commitment to continuous improvement through comprehensive evaluation. Most educational programs shy away from detailed assessments, fearing they might discover their methods aren't as effective as hoped. I AM WATER does the opposite.
"Not every organisation wants to truly understand their impact," Frensley explains. "They're terrified of learning they're not achieving what they thought.” Yet that information is a vital component of an organisation's inherent growth and development.
Therefore I AM WATER has developed a sophisticated evaluation process that tracks multiple outcomes including, ocean learning and literacy, social and emotional development, attitudes towards the ocean, behavioral changes, and long-term ocean stewardship intentions.
OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance: A Global Vision
Building on our successful methodology, I AM WATER is now leading the Oceans for All Alliance – an innovative initiative involving organisations from across the globe. This collaborative approach allows for comparative evaluation, creating a global benchmark for immersive ocean education.
"We're essentially creating a community of practice," Frensley says. "Organisations can learn from each other, share successes, and continuously refine their approaches."
A Transformative Approach
Frensley is clear about what makes I AM WATER special: it's not just about teaching marine science. It's about creating a transformative experience that connects students emotionally to the ocean, builds their personal skills, and potentially changes their life trajectories.
"The difference between a good programme and a great one," he reflects, "is the emotional connection. I AM WATER doesn't just teach about the ocean – they help students feel the ocean in order to inspire awareness and advocacy.
As our world increasingly needs environmentally conscious, emotionally intelligent generations, I AM WATER’s approach offers a powerful blueprint for education that goes far beyond traditional boundaries.
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