Exploring Learning

I, Mary Norton, will be participating in the course and take a lead in introducing the Changing Practices activities. (I will introduce myself online, along with Judy Murphy, the other VALTA project co-ordinator).

The focus of the Changing Practices activities in this module is "Taking Stock." As a first step, Jenny has invited you to reflect on your journey so far. As another step, at the workshop, we will describe the contexts of our day-to-day work. To prepare for this, please set aside some time in the next week when you can slow down and take a good look around your program and community. Imagine that you are visiting both places for the first time. What do you see? What don't you see? (e.g., in your program, your office, out the window, on the street outside...).

To help document and share your observations, complete one of the following exercises and bring the results to the workshop.

Take (or find) some photos to share what you see. Or make some sketches, freewrite or jot down some key words to document your observations.

Browse through local newspapers, newsletters or brochures and clip or copy photos, headlines or stories that will help you introduce your program/community. Collect some small objects (hand-made or natural) that symbolize aspects of your program/community.