Proposal Abstract for Researchers and Investors

Keeping curiosity and imagination alive in education

Alithia Learning is a not-for-profit organisation that will provide a space for children to experience a new approach to education. A space for re-imagining and re-examining learning.

Alithia aims to launch a Learning Facility in January 2019, set on acreage, that can be seen as a long-term lab, or a blank canvas, for longitudinal studies. The Alithia Learning space will be free from the time-restrictions and the parameters put in place by the 20th century perspective on education. When a new approach to learning is tested in an environment with an established culture and traditional framework, we miss the opportunity to fully explore these approaches and assess the developmental outcomes in a holistic sense. We are offering a space to families and the global community where we can evaluate, research and showcase what a new 21st century approach to learning can look like. To cultivate the skills that will be needed for a rapidly changing future, we need to start from a child-centered perspective in which their ideas and curiosities are valued.

Alithia Learning will work closely with funding bodies, researchers and the parents to document issues, approaches, learning journey, and overall development. We will work collaboratively with experts and academics to publish information that will increase awareness and understanding of new approaches to education.

The Learning Facility:

Alithia is flexible and adaptable in its approach to education; it will have a reflexive relationship with the children and the researchers. It began by recognising that there was a need for a communal space where children could come together to instigate collaborative projects, peer-to-peer learning and to access multitude of hands-on activities and workshops. A democratic environment, with a high level of choice, for multidisciplinary projects initiated by the children and developed as a team. We have an interest in the educational value of play, inquiry-based learning, the importance of mixed-age groups and learning that is based largely outdoors and through movement. We will use the latest techniques to support children to develop as confident, competent, caring individuals, who have a sense of belonging in their community and the world.

We will use strategies to enable each child to understand the way in which they uniquely learn, what motivates them and their passion and curiosities, and then help to nurture this, encouraging portfolios of their learning journey. An important role of the facilitator throughout the day, will be to facilitate positive communication and problem solving; focusing on developing social and emotional intelligence and fostering supportive interactions. Communication tools and positive psychology keep ideas alive and valued, encouraging divergent and lateral thinking. Facilitators will encourage creative and critical thinking, open discussion and imaginative play.

We will work with children aged 5-12, as these are the years when an individual's perception of themselves in an academic and social setting is formed. Their internal voice is developing, creating the scaffolding for future learning, motivation and passion. Much of our days will be spent outdoors, however we will also provide an indoor area with moveable furniture and cushions when the children feel an activity is best suited for that space. The spaciousness of our format allows for and encourages flexibility, adaptability and autonomy.

Location: Mid North Coast, NSW, Australia;

Find out more: alithialearning.org.au

Contact: info@alithialearning.org.au