Place-based learning in Kinvara

THE South Galway village of Kinvara will host Ireland’s inaugural Learning Landscape workshop from August 22 to 24. Plans for the place-based learning gathering were launched by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn on Friday.

Titled From Apathy to Empathy – Reconnecting People and Place, the unique event will bring together leading US and EU thinkers and practitioners specialising in place-based learning, offering valuable insights and lessons.
Place-based learning encourages the use of the local environment as a creative learning resource and outdoor classroom. It immerses pupils in local heritage, culture and landscape, encouraging them to become more aware of their role in the rich ecosystem of life.
“Place-based learning offers proven physical and mental-health benefits and can also inspire students to engage more fully and creatively in critical issues of sustainability by helping them to empathise with the needs of their place – be it issues affecting their local area, their country or even their planet – and become active leaders in responding to these issues,” explained a spokesperson for Burrenbeo Trust.
A number of key themes will be explored during the workshop including the benefits for people and places of place-based learning, best practice internationally in engaging and inspiring people with regard to their place and exploring how the Burren, Ireland’s ultimate outdoor classroom, can be better utilised and developed as a learning landscape.
The event will take place in an eclectic range of venues in Kinvara and in the nearby Burren landscape.
International speakers from the United States include David Sobel and David W Orr, who will be joined by other European speakers as they participate in workshops, on-site demonstrations, as well as guided walks, picnics and cultural events.
“This is an exciting time for learning in Ireland, a time to get back to basics and focus on what is truly important. The Burren is an incredible place to experience some or all of the various aspects that go into creating a ‘sense of place’.
“Here we have a readily accessible range of geological, archaeological, ecological and cultural attributes – the ‘building blocks’ of most places and a wonderful ‘outdoor classroom’ – Ireland’s most perfect environment for place-based learning and a landscape that truly supports us as we create a vision for our future,” the spokesperson concluded.