Teaching & Learning

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.

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Matt Armstrong-Ford

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

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Free School Talks

Education is one of the DSWF’s key strategic pillars in our mission to fightprotect 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.

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Education Hub

Access a selection of information, resources, activities designed to support both Educators and Students to better understand biodiversity and conservation.

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Curriculum Links

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.