Educating on a Human Scale: Visions for a Sustainable World. Proceedings of the Human Scale Education Conference (Oxford, England, September 26, 1998).

Overview & Synopsis

Human Scale Education's 1998 conference addressed the creation of schools and learning experiences to foster in young people the attitudes and skills to shape a fairer and more sustainable world. "Values and Vision in Business and Education" (Anita Roddick) argues that educational curricula must contain the language and action of social justice, human rights, community economics, sustainability, and ethics if young people are to understand that they can make a difference to their world. "Education for Citizenship" (Richard Pring) maintains that citizenship education must prepare young people not only for an economic future but also for a political one in which they are expected to participate actively within a democracy. It is difficult to encourage children to discuss, debate, and explore issues within the context of the British national curriculum. "The Ecology of Learning" (Satish Kumar) discusses the need for life-centered education as well as child-centered education. It is essential that children are taught how to value and respect the life of the planet. Workshops discussed applying sustainability themes identified at the U.N. conference in Rio to education; involving students with adult professionals in experiential projects connecting art, design, and environmental education; engaging students, parents, and teachers in dialogue about each other and about implementing change; differences in learning at small schools compared to large, impersonal state schools; and working with government to infuse environmental education and sustainability throughout the national curriculum. (TD)