Open Space write up (UK conference May-07)

Specific Topic The role of schools and education in transition initiatives

 

Overarching question How do we sustainably expand and support the network of communities working on transition?

Proceedings

Preparing yourself

  • It's important to understand:
    • the principles of a transition - what are we transitioning to?
    • the philospophy of sustainability - what would a sustainable world look like?
    • what bottom-up education might look like
      • education co-ops?
      • slow schools?
  • Set up an education group to explore where the openings for discussion might be

Starting the conversations

  • Engage people with the question why a change in pedagody is necessary for sustainable development
    • learning the practical skills necessary to help with energy descent
  • What would a "school in transition" look like?
  • What is the purpose of education in "local" communities?
  • Use Open Spaces with councillors and youth groups
  • Make contact with head teachers who are looking for sustainability projects such as gaining "Eco-schools" status (Junior schools may be more approachable for this)
    • Sustainable Schools National framework provides a context for these conversations
    • it's important to propose projects that will make the teachers look good and gain kudos with their stakeholders
  • Connect: Parents, Pupils, Teachers

Engaging with young people

  • Young people must feel like they have a voice in this, as well as the agencies
  • Identify all the life skills that young people will need as they grow up through the age of energy descent
  • Use story telling [see Totnes Tales on Rob's blog - Ed]
  • Use "learning by doing" which is much more agreeable to young people
  • Present them as life skills

Good ideas, issues

  • Can we expand the use of schools to include education in sustainability?
  • How do we incorporate sustainable/transition skills into teacher training eg Foundation degree?
  • Education group needs to engage in:
    • assessment of existing situation
    • visioning what a "transitioned" education solution could look like
    • planning for that future
  • Business education is an entire realm where principles of sustainability needed to be deeply embedded