A CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR A CO-OPERATIVE WALES? A Community of Enquiry Report April 8, 2017

A CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR A CO-OPERATIVE WALES?

Summary

The Welsh word ‘dysgu’ means both teaching and learning. This underlines the fact that learning should not be something handed down from teacher to pupil. It should be a collaborative effort between all stakeholders. With discussions taking place on new school curricula and teacher training, now is the time to press for introducing this new approach.

This April 2017 event in Cardiff demonstrated the wealth of potential there is in Wales to further the Co-operative education agenda. What was great about the enquiry was that participants recognised that we are exploring the notion of a contemporary Co-operative education in a hospitable policy climate – i.e., the Well-being and Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and through initiatives such as Philosophy with Children. This opens real opportunities to think creatively about new educational approaches and to see these delivered ‘on the ground’.

For the future, there are some really important elements to be considered in terms of ‘being’ a co-operative teacher which are not simply about values and principles (though these are drivers); but also, about learner centred pedagogical approaches; communications; leadership; and attitudes. We left the event with big questions: What is a co-operative teacher? What does being a co-operative teacher add to the experiences of the student, school, classroom; professional practice? Much of this could come up through any future enquiry – but they are important questions if we are to realise the goals set out in the Well-being and Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

For more details please go to:

ds:3:1:22cmw final 8 APRIL 2017 report

About David Smith

A lifelong co-operative activist. Recent experience includes Co-operative Foundation Trustee (2014-2016); Co-operative Group Main Board, Specialist Board & National Values & Principles Committee (2014); Co-operative Group Senate (2014-2015); Co-operative Group Wales Regional Board (2009-2014), South Wales Area Committee (from 1990-2014). Public service includes Government Food Adviser (2000-2006); UK Healthcare Regulator (2003-2008) David directed the first EC funded Wales Anti-Poverty Programme; including pioneering a wide range of co-operative & community driven initiatives: free legal services, community-based housing associations, care and repair, pre-school and adventure play, local Co-op Development Agencies, multipurpose Social Care Co-operatives. Founded: Cardiff Student Community Action, Welsh Food Alliance & Wales Progressive Co-operators. Currently, Deacon, Canton Uniting Church, Cardiff; Board Member, Newport Credit Union; Robert Owen Memorial Museum Trustee. Former Lecturer, Gwent Tertiary College, (1983-1998). Graduate Ruskin College, Oxford and UC Cardiff and has a MA (European Human Resource Management) Keele; Post Graduate Certificate Education (Further Education) Cardiff; Professional Food & Management qualifications.
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