Philosophical Basis and Values

Life as we have known it is changing at a rapid pace. Environmental, demographical and technological changes demand that we inspect our ways of living. The following phenomena drive some of the changes – domination of humans over the rest of the natural world that has led to overconsumption of natural resources, overpopulation, the climate crisis, globalization fostered by transfer of goods and services but also by the extensive use of technology by people in many parts of the world. These changes are more rapid, complex and rampant than other in human history.

Such rapid and complex changes demand that we respond with curiosity, a suspension of what we have known up until this point, with creativity, authenticity and responsibility. Among the many movements and efforts underway to bring about a change in our responses to these changes, education holds the power to bring about a transformation from the inside out. It can, if considered differently, transform the very ways in which we relate, feel, think, understand, respond and act.

Education up until now has been about amassing knowledge and developing specific skills towards the ultimate goal of success as defined by material gains and societal status. Such education has contributed to individual success at the cost of the health of the planet and the well being of communities around the world. It is time we inspected and changed the philosophical basis and goals of education.  I believe it is time to envision an education that is based on these values …

• Thoughtful integration of spirit, heart, mind, and body

• The use of many languages for thinking and collaborating, including visual and graphic arts, building and construction, music, dance, poetry, computer languages . . .

• Attention to movement and to physicality

• The embracing of the natural world as our home-place

• An emphasis on critical thinking and inquiry rather than on topical learning and assessment

• The acknowledgement that relationship is at the heart of learning and teaching—indeed, at the heart of life

These values form the basis of my coaching – a practice that places learners as critical players in the world around them. I invite them to observe, question, understand, respond, act and reflect by learning through direct contact and first-hand experiences in the natural world and the world at large.

GOALS

In my coaching, I create a learning space in which learners are invited to explore with …

• A vital curiosity

• Open inquiry

• Critical thinking

• Creativity

• Passion

• Sensitivity

• Responsibility

• The whole being

In the process, I hope learners will:

• Develop ways of thinking and collaborating: Master the many languages for thinking and collaborating including …

  – Written and spoken languages like English
  – Logic and measurement languages like math and statistics
  – Science as a language for experimentation and methodical analysis
  – Visual and performing arts as languages for self-expression and the appreciation of beauty
  – History and geography as languages for understanding the history of people, the nature of places as a backdrop for considering their own choices
  – Government and civics as languages for understanding the organization/governance of communities

• Know themselves as learners: Learners experience the love, passion, perseverance and hard, lonely work that come from pursuing something you love. Through reflective practices learners become aware of their learning approaches and needs.

• Relate: See and respond with their hearts – know in their whole beings how to relate, connect and love.

• Respond: Develop an individual understanding and ability to think critically, inquire openly, make connections where don’t seem to be any, perceive and respond with creativity.