Our programme is not based on one specific pedagogy but instead takes inspiration from a variety of sources. Below you can find a selection of theory and practical support that we have found particularly useful in the past year.
1. Rosenshine’s principles of learning
Although we wouldn’t want every session to follow a defined rigid structure, there is merit in these principles, and we will often use them when designing content. They are based on quality research and are easy to follow.
2. Project based learning
It is extremely easy to get project-based learning very wrong and this is the best guidance on PBL we have come across in the last ten years. From the Innovation Unit and based on the work of High Tech High in California, it gives a useful structure for developing and implementing projects with chiudren and young people.
3. Oracy and dialogic teaching
We want children to be fluent advocates for wildlife and conservation but how do you support them in developing their oracy skills? We have found the book by the charity Voice21 and the work of Robin Alexander to be helpful in developing these skills.
4. Cognitive load theory
There is always a risk of treating children like experts when teaching about biodiversity when they have not grasped the core concepts yet. Sweller’s work on cognitive load theory is a helpful reminder to ensure that each activity is demanding but possible for young people to achieve. This article from the Chartered College is a helpful summary.
5. Education for sustainable development
This publication from UNESCO gives a helpful summary of the trends and challenges in delivering ESD. It is aimed at educators and policy makers, with useful content for both.
6. Visual Literacy
Our go to for everything art related is the UK charity Access Art. Always helpful and with guides and lots of ideas about how to support children in producing wonderful artwork.
Book your free in person or virtual school talk now
Education is one of the DSWF’s key strategic pillars in our mission to fight, protect and engage on behalf of endangered species across the world. We have been delivering free assemblies, talks and workshops to schools, youth groups and children’s clubs for over 20 years. Find out how to invite DSWF to your school here.
Access a selection of information, resources, activities designed to support both Educators and Students to better understand biodiversity and conservation.
Our core aim is to deliver coherent conservation and wildlife messages, however we do link to the requirements from awarding bodies and national curricula where they naturally arise. Find out more about how we align our offer to current school and college curricula in the UK.
