Natural Learning and Environments (T401)

Natural Learning and Environments (NLE) is a networked project for research and enterprise associated with individual and cultural human relationships and understandings of ‘nature’.  It embraces collective and individual research across disciplines, seeking to contextualize and communicate alternative knowledge, traditional views and contemporary challenges in holistic, equitable and creative ways appropriate to the changing world of 21 st Century education. Current bids and projects involve practical and theoretical offerings: the ongoing collection of interviews with experienced educators, many in alternative settings and several in the Early Years sector; storytelling work; student and staff involvement in life-skills such as foraging and cookery; an outdoor community ‘hub’ at Avery Hill; an audit of growing food in schools in London; alternative and creative education; Adventure Learning; questions about ways of thinking and educating in this area; attitudes to food; green entrepreneurs. The project also covers initiatives in Education for Sustainable Development and research methodologies from Early Years through to community work with adults. The idea of different levels of engagement (head, hand and heart) is embedded throughout as ways of nourishing ourselves and others as educators and educational facilitators, showcased through the  ‘Ways of Knowing’ conference this year.  We are building profile through communications, research and practical projects, events, conference papers and publications, building partnerships and seeking small external funds in order to move into the international arena. On the 9 th of July I will facilitate a mini ‘open space’ activity in our allocated 1 hour Research Group time slot to generate ideas for moving forward.  As you will see from the above, NLE activities involve research, enterprise, partnerships and communications. Research activity is necessary for the future of the School of Education and we will need to find new ways of looking at ideas and skills for moving forwards. The question for this open space session is therefore is : What kind of research would I like to see as part of Natural Learning and Environments and what sorts of activities would support taking these ideas forward? In open space, the facilitator trusts to the greater potential of cross-pollination of experience and expertise within the group as the means of determining what is needed. It is a “process that can be used to bring a group of people to deeper communication, innovative thinking, collaboration, sharing of resources and clarity of next steps, goals and overarching vision”, which seems fully appropriate to this research group initiative. Please browse here for info ( http://www.co-intelligence.org/P-Openspace.html ). You can be an initiator, a bumblebee or a butterfly. Initiators will summarise conversations towards the end. I will introduce the question and provide some housekeeping. I will also provide post-it notes that individuals can put names on and leave as trails of tokens of interest, adding and comments and burning questions they wish to be taken forward at future meetings. If you have any other questions, just get in touch j.j.patterson@gre.ac.uk .