LEEFlet
LEEF members have joined together to improve the quality and quantity of environmental and sustainability education in London by sharing skills and experience.
Using Observation
Training: How to observe a session Before the AGM, training on ‘How to observe a session and give useful feedback’ was delivered by Neil Herrington - Principal Lecturer at the Cass School of Education, University of East London. Observing educators delivering sessions is potentially a profound way for both the observer and the educator to improve their practice.
LEEF is continuing to work in partnership with FACE (Farming and Countryside Education) to educate Londoners about Food, Farming and the Environment. A special thank you to the City Bridge Trust for its ongoing support of LEEF.
LEEF AGM th
The 2014 Annual General Meeting took place on the 5 August at Holland Park Ecology Centre, many thanks to Trevor Bowyer and the rest of the team for hosting us. Anna Portch (LEEF coordinator) gave a short presentation on the achievements of the past year. As well as all the events and training delivered, LEEF launched its fellowship award to recognise excellence in the field. In June, over 300 schools took part in Empty Classroom Day to encourage more people to take part in outdoor learning and we had three exceptional volunteers and interns, who deserve special thanks; Chris Robson Empty Classroom Day coordinator, Christine Evans finance volunteer and Anna Patel membership and marketing intern. The AGM closed with the accounts and votes for elections and re-elections of the Management Committee. We are delighted to welcome Margaret Burr and Helen Robertson to the Committee this year. Margaret Burr has 20 years of experience developing the HEC Global Learning Centre. She has recently retired and plans to spend more time supporting environmental education. Helen Robertson is head of the Field Studies Centre in London; she has a background in environmental science and an in-depth understanding of environmental education. Figure 1 LEEFers chatting at the AGM
Written by Anna Patel, LEEF Intern and Anna Portch, LEEF coordinator Contact: apatel@wildlondon.org.uk aportch@wildlondon.org.uk
Teacher training has long used this method to improve practice and LEEFers are investigating the possibility of using observation more to improve the quality of Environmental Education. Figure 2 How to observe session training
Top five tips for observing a training session! 1.
As an observer, be explicit about what aspects of the delivery you are focusing on.
2.
Ensure the trainer is aware of the relationship between yourself and them and make them feel comfortable.
3.
Observe from all sides of the room, you may have different perspectives on the same situation.
4.
Be aware of the wider context of this session, consider all the information you have on the trainer and scenario beyond what you clearly see at the time e.g. they are understaffed that day.
5.
Always make time for a discussion before and after the session.
Part of becoming a LEEF Fellow, members need to observe a session and give the educator written feedback. Contact LEEF if you are interested in having a session observed by a fellow.
Do you have a recommendation for LEEF members? Come and visit us at the Centre for Wildlife Gardening! How would you like to see Environmental or Sustainability Education develop in the next 10 years?
LEEF Fellowships Inspired by the Guilds in London, LEEF has decided to recognise excellence within our own field by awarding fellowship to outstanding Environmental and Sustainability Educators. Nobody told the fishmongers that their work was of value, they decided it among themselves and until we are confident in describing our work we cannot expect the rest of society to value what we do. Lorna Fox was one of the first six LEEFers to be awarded a fellowship in recognition of her outstanding work in environmental education. Lorna was selected for her work with London Wildlife Trust; as the Regional Development, Site and Project Manager, South London. Since awarded the fellowship Lorna had been appointed as the National Learning Advisor for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
I’d like to see it become fully integrated and mainstream in all schools and within UK society, rather than a ‘tagged on’, additional concept.
Upcoming events Reading Group Film Night LEEF reading group explores other mediums 30/09/2014 6-8pm at Camley St Nature Park Things go bump in the night Finding creatures that emerge at dusk 02/10/2014 2014 6:30-9pm at Lambeth Palace Park How to work with volunteers Creating a mutually beneficial relationship 28/10/2014 1:30–5pm at Isis Education Centre Please see LEEF website for more details.
Figure 1 Lorna Fox
Lorna’s Q & A’s How did you get where you are today? I started working as a practical conservation volunteer at Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve and loved seeing people come to the reserve and be so enthused about being outdoors. My light bulb moment of wanting to specialise in environmental education was when I was in the Caribbean and teaching children about coral polyps. The enthusiasm and fun was so infectious that I thought ‘That’s it – that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life!’ What tips would you give someone starting out in your field? Keep going! Your zest and enthusiasm is vital and new ideas are really important – so keep at it. Volunteer, find out about training, network, and be persistent! Written by Anna Patel, LEEF Intern and Anna Portch, LEEF coordinator Contact: apatel@wildlondon.org.uk aportch@wildlondon.org.uk
To book a place on any of these events please make payment to LEEF and RSVP to Anna Patel, apatel@wildlondon.org.uk.
Have you filled in the LEEF annual survey yet? Please follow the link to fill it in and help us to improve environmental education in London! http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/119915HBLTN