Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child: Interview with Alison Clark
Aug 18, 2023
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Alison Clark, author of Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child, discusses pressures in early childhood education, slow pedagogies, the influence of the pandemic on education, the relationship between meal times and relationships, and rethinking education for effective learners.
Slowing down in education can lead to deeper learning experiences for children, allowing them to engage more fully with ideas and problem-solving.
Embracing a slower and more thoughtful pedagogical approach in early childhood education can prioritize quality over quantity and foster a deeper sense of autonomy and social connection in children.
Deep dives
The Importance of Slow Pedagogy
This podcast episode delves into the concept of slow pedagogy and its potential benefits in early years and Key Stage 1 education. The conversation explores how slowing down in education can lead to deeper learning experiences for children, allowing them to engage more fully with ideas and problem-solving. The episode highlights the importance of giving children agency, allowing them to have more control and involvement in their own learning. By embracing a slower and more child-focused approach, practitioners can create a more meaningful and enriching educational environment.
Exploring Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child
Alison Clark, a professor of Early Childhood Education, discusses her new book titled Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child. The book explores the significance of slowing down in education and challenges the prevailing idea of fast-paced learning. It emphasizes the need to prioritize quality over quantity, encouraging educators to focus on the process of learning rather than rushing to achieve specific outcomes. The episode highlights the potential benefits of adopting a slower and more thoughtful pedagogical approach in early childhood education.
The Ripple Effects of Slowing Down
The podcast episode illustrates how embracing slow pedagogy can have a ripple effect on various aspects of education. It delves into examples from practitioners who implemented slower approaches during meal times and outdoor activities. Slowing down meal times enabled children to engage in more meaningful conversations, problem-solving, and decision-making, fostering a deeper sense of autonomy and social connection. Similarly, spending more time outdoors allowed children to fully immerse themselves in their surroundings, follow their interests, and develop a greater sense of wonder. The episode emphasizes the potential for slow pedagogy to enrich the curriculum and enhance children's overall learning experiences.
Building Effective Learners through Slow Pedagogy
The podcast episode explores how slow pedagogy aligns with building effective learners. It challenges the notion that speed and content-driven approaches are the most effective teaching methods. Slowing down in education allows for deeper exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, creating rich learning opportunities for children. By focusing on process over products, educators can nurture children's autonomy, confidence, curiosity, and resilience. The episode highlights the importance of reevaluating existing education systems to equip children with the necessary skills to navigate uncertain futures and address global challenges.
Summer Re-Release Episode - This week, we talk to Alison Clark about her recent book Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child. As part of the conversation, Alison discusses the pressures within Early Childhood Education and makes the case for slow pedagogies when working with young children.
