Course Outline: Creating a Humanistic Learning Community
Simon Marshall, Pilgrims, UK
A short opening plenary to welcome course participants before they start their courses.
- Each and every one of us is a living syllabus
We believe that each of you brings a wealth of experience and expertise with them/you that you can share with others in their group and enrich their course immeasurably.
- Learner participation breeds motivation, confidence and success
We regard you as course participants and ask that you involve yourselves in the process of the course. You are not empty vessels who need to be “taught at” and simply “filled up.” Learning is an activity which requires commitment and the investment of energy.
- Cooperative learning is productive learning
Learning is a social activity. This social dimension is a critical
aspect in the learning process. People learn in communities. Together,
you can accomplish more than as lone individuals and derive more enjoyment
from the process
- Be connected with now
Teachers live busy lives and often need to plan ahead. Of course, this is necessary and desirable. However, if we are overly oriented towards “tomorrow” or “yesterday,” then today can pass us by. Try to make appointments with yourself as you are here and see where your attention lies. Try to connect with the present and ask yourself “Where am I now?”
- Be here for yourself and be here for others
You all have needs and wants for your course and so does everyone else in your group. Pursue your own goals while allowing space and time for others to follow theirs.
- Positive group dynamics are created they do not simply happen
At the beginning of your course today you engage in some exercises that allow you to get to know each other. This is the beginning of a conscious process aimed at establishing positive group dynamics. Your course lasts one week or two weeks in terms of “clock time” but the more you bond as a group the longer it will remain as part of your experience.
- Teaching and learning can be a joyful, life affirming process
We work on the precept that you want to be here and have chosen to invest time, money and effort to come here. We very much want to be here too. All our efforts are dedicated to making this a memorable, fulfilling and “learningful” experience.
Please check the Pilgrims courses at Pilgrims website.
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