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ĢżLearning in a different way:Ģż how we build knowledge and deliver action across industry. Ģż

Experiential Learning Manager Joe Pitts-Cunningham shares what learning looks like for UKGBC and why learning in a different way is so important

If I asked you ā€˜what comes to mind when you think about learning and education?ā€™, youā€™d probably picture a classroom. Perhaps a row of desks with a teacher or expert at the front. Maybe theyā€™re talking to a deck of slides. Youā€™re not alone ā€“ thatā€™s how most people see education.  

But we know that people donā€™t really take in information this way ā€“ how much can you remember of your school days? Instead, people learn by discussing topics with other people and actually doing stuff.  

That is exactly what weā€™ve found during two recent learning opportunities run by UKGBC. So, I thought Iā€™d tell you about them and perhaps, you might like to step out of the classroom with us.  

A technical workshop with a difference  

The first is a session we ran on writing a decent Whole Life Carbon Assessment report. As a technical topic that needs precise guidance, it might not seem like the best opportunity to do something different. But we didnā€™t let that stop us! Alongside Alex, the UKGBC lead for embodied carbon, we created a workshop unlike most learning opportunities on the topic.  

Rather than telling the cohort what makes a good assessment, we gave them a bunch of example assessments and asked them to tell us what was good and what was bad.ĢżĢż

By stepping outside of the ā€˜sage on a stageā€™ format of an expert delivering information, the cohort got into deep discussions about WLCA assessments. Each group fed back different and insightful comments which were shared in a final report.

Hereā€™s what some of the delegates said:  

ā€œI loved how interactive the session was. I had never run through a full report so I found this really helpful and to gain insight from other companies within the industryā€ 

Collaboration is a key to learningā€ 

What happens next? Well, the discussion sparked ideas and revolution which will hopefully lead to better WCLA reporting in the future.  

Come to the next of these workshops on 7 November, delivered online here.

A masterclass in nature

The second takes us outside and into a forest near Perivale. Biophilic Buildings is a masterclass with a difference; you wonā€™t find any slides here, and youā€™ll need some decent shoes (and maybe a raincoat).ĢżĢż

In this session run by Nigel ā€“ an expert in facilitating outdoor exploration workshops ā€“ and Dylan ā€“ the most enthusiastic ecologist youā€™ll ever meet ā€“ delegates are challenged to step out of the office and into nature.Ģż

Through exploration of forest and grassland ecosystems, delegates explore how nature works. Then the fun really starts with a task to create a concept or a building out of materials in the forest. It sounds like play ā€“ and in some ways it is ā€“ but donā€™t for a moment think this isnā€™t learning. The insights and reflections from previous cohorts have been deep and profound.ĢżĢż

 

But donā€™t take my word for it, hereā€™s what some people have said:  

I was expecting a traditional workshop in room learning policies and regulations updates, instead they provided an incredible experience communicated with passion and enthusiasmā€ 

Thank you very much again for your enthusiasm, passion, care and great engagement. You have a created a wonderful and educative atmosphere for this afternoon which I will pass on to others whilst maintaining that sane excitement for nature.ā€ 

Learning doesnā€™t have to be constrained to a classic classroom environment; it doesnā€™t have to involve slides; and it certainly doesn’t have to be boring. At UKGBC, weā€™re creating learning experiences that are both knowledge-building, but also highly engaging experiences.  

If youā€™re ready, join us to learn in a different way.  

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