New culture of learning

Embracing a naturalistic perspective on learning challenges us to reevaluate and redesign our education systems, classrooms, and training seminars to better reflect the complex and dynamic nature of learning. This perspective encourages us to move away from traditional, rigid structures and instead create environments that nurture the innate curiosity and creativity inherent in every learner. By embracing a new culture of learning—one rooted in passion, imagination, and constraint—we can foster environments that encourage exploration, experimentation, and discovery.

At the heart of this new culture of learning is the concept of play, which seamlessly integrates passion, imagination, and constraint. Play is not just reserved for childhood; it is a fundamental aspect of human learning and development. When we apply rules to our imagination, we create a framework within which we can explore, innovate, and problem-solve. As educators, our role is to create contexts that facilitate this process, allowing learners to engage in meaningful play that deepens their understanding and sparks their curiosity.

A crucial aspect of fostering a new culture of learning is taking a holistic approach to the learning environment. Rather than focusing solely on individual components such as curriculum or assessment, we must consider the interplay between various elements, including physical space, social dynamics, and technological resources. This holistic perspective aligns with the principles of a Community of Sustainable Learning Environments (CSLE), which emphasizes the interconnectedness of learning environments and the importance of considering the broader ecosystem in which learning takes place.

To effectively cultivate a new culture of learning, educators must be proactive in creating environments that honor passion, nurture creativity, and empower learners to make meaningful connections between their interests and educational content. This requires a willingness to experiment, iterate, and adapt to the evolving needs of learners. By embracing a naturalistic perspective on learning and incorporating insights from discussions like this one into our innovation plans, we can create environments that inspire curiosity, foster collaboration, and empower learners to reach their full potential.


References:
Creating Significant Learning Environments (CLSE), https://youtu.be/eZ-c7rz7eT4


Douglas Thomas at TEDxUFM. A New Culture of Learning, https://youtu.be/lM80GXlyX0U


Dr. Tony Bates on Building Effective Learning Environments, https://youtu.be/3xD_sLNGurA