This has been a collaboration of contributions from a number of educators within the university. During this Self Study Pack, we will explore ways to engage with learning outside of mainstream and formal learning environments. This Self Study Pack is open source meaning that you’re not going to need to log in or require any special access for any of the material. But it also means that there are plenty of opportunities should you wish, to explore the ideas further by engaging in wider reading, and we really encourage you to do this.

We will start this unit by exploring our context, gaining an insight into the ideology, pedagogy and theory that sits behind the education today. We will then move on to look at the place of creativity and its impact on learners as well as different models for learning. We will also explore alternative learning environments including a range of progressive educational spaces, forest schools and some global initiatives. Changing tact, we will explore the ‘soft skills’ of education and the role and impact of the educator, before we finally participate in a hypothetical exploration of how the future learner may experience education.

As you progress, you will have opportunity to map your own learning journey. By the end of the Self Study Pack you will have created a snap shot of both your own journey as a learner and also as either an educator yourself, or influencer of other learners. We hope you enjoy.