How do we develop our sense of place? What are the potential implications of disconnection from place? Are there ways that local place and community resources can be incorporated into education and learning? Ireland’s leading advocate for place-based learning, Burrenbeo Trust, will host some top thinkers and practitioners looking at these and many more questions from 10th-12th March in Kinvara, Co. Galway. This event will provide a space for developing this growing area of learning with over 100 delegates and facilitators attending.
Symposium coordinator, Brigid Barry of Burrenbeo Trust says that ‘in a time of globalisation, the local story can sometimes be lost. Connecting people to their place can only benefit the community as it fosters a sense of pride, ownership and ultimately a sense of responsibility towards their community and environment. While place-based learning can be applied anywhere, the Burren provides a superb location for this event – there’s a readily accessible range of cultural and natural heritage attributes – a wonderful ‘outdoor classroom’.’
Place-based learning encourages the use of the local environment and community as a learning resource. It immerses individuals in local heritage, culture and landscape, encouraging them to become more aware of their place and hopefully help identify their role in ensuring its sustainable future. Burrenbeo Trust has been working in place-based learning in the region for 10 years and believes that their work in the Burren provides an excellent, transferable model for implementing innovative community and learning practices. Burrenbeo have developed programmes focusing on the importance of ‘place’ for primary, secondary and university students, as well as visitors, the local community and all those with an interest in the unique landscape.
With over 20 talks and interactive workshop sessions, the Learning Landscape Symposium 2017 will have something for everyone – providing the tools to bring the benefits of place-based learning to any local place. The event will include a combination of keynote lectures and themed workshops in venues across the beautiful village of Kinvara and site based workshops in the stunning Burren landscape. This exciting event is open to everyone but booking in advance is essential. There’s an Early Bird Special of €65 for the whole event until the 31st January… so get your booking in!