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Global learning at Dartington: An update on the Schumacher Certificate in Education
The Certificate in Education was established at Schumacher College in 2007 to provide a platform for participants to develop their professional practice in adult education for sustainability. The aim is to broaden the reach of the ‘Schumacher educational experience’ whilst bringing in other ideas to create new models. It is also hoped that in empowering participants to create similar centres or projects in their local communities, people can find this inspiration and learning within their own region rather than needing to fly across the world; a global education with a smaller carbon footprint.
The subjects of the programme are holistic education, sustainability and the vibrant area of potential between the two. Holistic education is one that considers all aspects of the person within a local and global context. Within an action learning structure, participants come to Schumacher College five times over the year, then experiment with and apply the ideas in their work between modules. They are now returning for their second session at the college.
This years participants come from many parts of the world including Brazil, Austria, Italy, Wales and Japan. Their backgrounds range from academia with a focus on biodiversity, clowning, Peace Studies and Nonviolent Communication. This is an ambitious bunch. They are working to change the face, the body and the heart of education around the world, integrating many aspects of sustainability in their work. They are addressing the nuts and bolts of what makes for positive education alongside the philosophical and emotional aspects of the topic.
In this second session, they will explore complexity in theory and practice, and expand their understanding of holistic education with a number of expert teachers and with working examples from around the world. Throughout the programme the participants will also offer sessions to each other about their own work and support each other between modules, all in the spirit of participative learning. Mentors, including Toni Spencer, the facilitator of the programme, offer distance support whilst the group is away from Schumacher College. “What has been most inspiring with the group so far is the energy, commitment and diversity of the participants,” said Toni. “I am looking forward to witnessing the alchemy of the group during the next module as we dive deeper into questions of education in these complex times.”
For more information on the Certificate in Education
Schumacher College is part of the Dartington Hall Trust, a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and as a charity (company no. 1485560, charity no. 279756). Registered office: The Elmhirst Centre, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EL, UK.