Slow down and smell the eucalypts: Blue Gum Community School and the slow education movement

Journal Title: Journal of Global Education and Research - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 1

Abstract

This paper investigates and analyses the features of a non-mainstream pedagogy, educational context and learning environment by presenting a counter-model which contrasts with the currently dominant educational project, an emergent global educational movement known as the Slow Education Movement. It demonstrates how the associated principles and praxes of a particular ethos and its philosophical foundations guide teaching and learning. Set against the background of the Slow Education Movement, the paper draws on a case study to illustrate some of the foundational principles and practices of that movement. The paper outlines the educational ethos, philosophy, processes and practices of Blue Gum Community School and how the teaching and learning practices contribute to the development of skills that increase student resilience, positive emotion, engagement and meaning in a learning environment of authentic student research and academic rigor. The paper fulfils an introductory and exploratory purpose into the area of non-mainstream education which, it is envisaged, will be built upon through further research and deeper analysis of the methods and strategies employed in the teaching and learning processes employed in such educational environments.

Authors and Affiliations

Stephen J. Smith

Keywords

Related Articles

Painting a picture: Understanding our student parent profile on campus

Little information or research exists regarding the profile of student parents on campus even though increasingly more non-traditional and mature students access post-secondary education. This study presents information...

Leading like an educator: How MBTI profiles vary from the norm

This article examines the particular personality traits associated with effective, active and former educational leaders, using a sample set of Myers-Briggs personality types of educational leaders from the Southeastern...

Engaging students globally without leaving the comforts of home

To meet the needs of and preparing graduates to enter the 21st century business environment, higher education institutions have realized global learning is now an essential part of the knowledge and skill sets needed by...

Slow down and smell the eucalypts: Blue Gum Community School and the slow education movement

This paper investigates and analyses the features of a non-mainstream pedagogy, educational context and learning environment by presenting a counter-model which contrasts with the currently dominant educational project,...

“I don’t even know where Turkey is.”: Developing intercultural competence through e-pal exchanges

Using current events to help preservice teachers understand the world they live in encourages preservice teachers to learn about global issues. It also encourages them to develop skills in analytical thinking and reflect...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP444149
  • DOI 10.5038/2577-509X.1.1.1006
  • Views 57
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Stephen J. Smith (2017). Slow down and smell the eucalypts: Blue Gum Community School and the slow education movement. Journal of Global Education and Research, 1(1), 16-34. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-444149