There’s a TeachMeet at the 2018 GA Conference on Friday 6 April at 1845 in the Heartsease Atrium. This takes place just before the networking quiz and unofficial #beermeet. It is free to attend.
Frog life is holding a toad summit on 19th June (0930 to 1630) to discuss toad conservation. There will be a variety of speakers from academics and from community-focused practitioners, including talks from Froglife patron, Jules Howard and conservation evidence research associate, Dr Silviu Petrovan. Registration and other details here.
NUS has published its 7th annual report on Fe and HE student expectations and experiences of learning for sustainability. This also looks at how they think this learning will influence their lives after they graduate/complete their course. Consistently over the 7 years, the student demand for sustainability is clear with around 80% wanting their institution to be doing more on sustainable development and 60% wanting to learn more about sustainability. There’s much more data in the full report online here. Sadly, the survey does not cover schools.
The UK UN Association has published it’s 2018 analysis and recommendations on realising the sustainable development goals. This includes an article by NAEE Director, Bill Scott which argues, unsurprisingly, that realising the Sustainable Development Goals will require an emphasis on critical thinking in formal education, as well as continuous learning in day-to-day activities.
Meanwhile, UNESCO has a new report on Issues and trends in Education for Sustainable Development which will be required reading for everyone taking ESD seriously. It “presents an overview of ESD and highlights key issues related to ESD policy and practice. Topics include key ESD competencies and themes, policy, changes in the learning environment, teacher training, youth as lead actors, scaling-up action, and the monitoring of progress towards Target 4.7.” It has a surprising amount to say about environmental education.
reminds us that it’s almost time for Outdoor Classroom Day 2018. If you’re looking to get involved, this guide has a range of ideas and resources for outdoor lessons.
Circle of Life Rediscovery asks if you know anyone aged 18-25 who’s interested in becoming future nature-based practitioners. The aim is to train, mentor and empower diverse young leaders to better connect their communities to nature, explore outdoor careers (particularly working with young people in nature) and be a voice for positive change in your community. There’s more detail here.
The John Muir Award is a National Conservation Award and can be achieved at Discovery Level either as series of day visits or 4 consecutive days. The award is suitable for pupils from upper Key stage 2 upwards, and gives students the opportunity to connect with, enjoy and care for a wild place through 4 challenges: Discover, Explore, Conserve and Share. Here’s a helpful link to what the Award can do.
CLOtC says that nominations are now open for its annual Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Learning Outside the Classroom. The awards recognise individuals and teams of people who have gone the extra mile to ensure that young people have access to inspiring experiences outside the classroom.
You’re invited to nominate a Hero in one of the following categories:
- Inspiring Educator
- Innovator
- Advocate
- Lifetime Achievement
It could be a team, colleague or friend who has shown passion for learning outside the classroom and dedication to enabling more young people to explore the world beyond the classroom. The deadline for sending in nominations is Friday 27th July 2018. Nominees will then be shortlisted before public voting opens in September. The awards will be presented at the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom’s annual awards dinner on 22nd November at the Black Country Living Museum. To nominate your Hero, just complete the nomination form.
#NatureForAll is a global movement to inspire love of nature built on the knowledge that the more people experience nature, the more they appreciate, love, and care for it. It brings together a diversity of organisations to broaden the reach and impact of their collective work. Various resources and evidence summaries are available on its website.