"Little kids rule the great outdoors in Germany's waldkindergartens, or forest kindergartens. Here, children learn the ropes of the world through play and discovery." Watch video
Kindergarten In The Wild
Happy Teachers Will Change the World | Thich Nhat Hanh
"Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and the international Plum Village community recognize the importance of creating sustainable and lasting programs in schools that support the happiness and well-being of teachers, administrators, students, and parents. The Wake Up Schools initiative is the manifestation of this aspiration. "Wake Up Schools uses mindfulness, the energy of being aware and awake to what is happening inside and around us in the present moment, to nourish education communities that excel … Watch video
We need fewer exams and more wilderness in education
"Instead of pumping time and money into exams, we should focus on wellbeing and encouraging children to connect with the natural world... "There are a few of us whose minds turn to putty under pressure. Exams left me feeling worthless and lacking in confidence. The worse I did in each test, the more pressure I felt to deliver results that never came. When I failed half my A-levels, and was rejected by my university choices, I spiralled into a depression. "The wilderness rescued me. I have been … Continue reading
Transcending Education | Interview with Bayo Akomolafe
Bayo Akomolafe speaks about the single story of modernity and its implications for a monoculture of education. He argues for the recognition of diverse forms of learning beyond standardized schooling and for a plurality of educations. Akomolafe is a poet, philosopher, psychologist and a professor at the Covenant University Nigeria. Video by Timo Holthoff, Learn2Change - Global Network of Educational Activists. Watch video
Bring on the learning revolution! | Sir Ken Robinson TED Talk
"In this poignant, funny follow-up to his fabled 2006 talk, Sir Ken Robinson makes the case for a radical shift from standardized schools to personalized learning — creating conditions where kids' natural talents can flourish." Watch video
Earth Guardians | Xiuhtezcatl Martinez on education
"A 15-year-old indigenous change agent, environmental activist, public speaker, eco hip-hop artist, and the Youth Director of Earth Guardians– Xiuhtezcatl is a powerful voice on the front lines of the youth-led climate movement. In 2013 Xiuhtezcatl received the “Youth Change Maker of the Year” award from President Obama. He has spoken on three occasions at the United Nations, recently daring a group of world leaders to do something real about climate change. He shares his thoughts with … Continue reading
Afghanistan’s Peace College | Can you teach your way out of a war?
"Last year, amid Afghanistan’s continuing war, the Gawharshad Institute of Higher Education, a private, nonprofit university, conducted a survey of its students’ attitudes toward conflict and violence. The poll was telling: When asked what the students would do when confronted with violent actions or words, 58 percent said they would “take revenge.” And though the results may not be surprising — decades of war have arguably ingrained a belief in revenge — the reason administrators at Gawharshad … Continue reading
Let’s prepare for a world of change by May East
"With global population set to pass 8 billion in just a few years there are some tough choices to be made. "I think HG Wells had it right when he said that we are in a race between education and catastrophe. For the environmental educator, David Orr, this race will be won when we create an educational framework that fosters ecological imagination, critical thinking, independent thought and a greater awareness of the interdependence of all life." Read the full story by May East, Chief Executive … Continue reading
Transformational Education by Dr Jean Houston | Kosmos Journal
"All children need windows of opportunity that will open them to a world that they will partner in new creation. Never has the time been so ripe for change, and never before has education been more available to new strategies. "The goal of this kind of education is what I have called ‘the possible human,’ the fetus of the emerging self. Perhaps this full expression of human potential has been coded in us since time out of mind, but only now have so many been called to its realization. What … Continue reading
The Futures of Education?
A great piece in The Atlantic on how a tech entrepreneur is trying to reinvent higher education using online technology to create a new kind of classroom experience. He has some great backing, including a former Harvard dean, and if he's successful could have a huge impact on campus based higher education. In a normal class, a pop quiz might involve taking out paper and pencils, not to mention eye-rolls from students. On the Minerva platform, quizzes—often a single multiple-choice … Continue reading