What’s nature got to do with learning?

Phil Smith

Professor

Learning is connection. Education must be inspiration. Join me to be inspired to make connections between you and a world worth living in – a sustainable world. If you are a teacher, we consider the place of sustainability in education – and it’s not on the outside knocking to be let in! Or join me to improve your skills in public speaking or writing. More and more, we are required to connect with others near and far. Good communication matters – in writing and speaking. Build confidence and competence in my short classes. My forty plus years in education span the breadth of formal and non-formal education: schools, technical colleges, community colleges, universities and a wide range of community settings. I have held leadership roles in schools, government agencies, a national professional association and local and international NGOs. I have worked overseas in education, training and evaluation. My experience includes advocacy and community campaigning at local, state and federal levels; education in a humanitarian environment (Nauru); sustainability leadership courses for young people; professional development for teachers and trainers; and conference facilitation. I currently work in two teacher-training programs at Western Sydney University, Australia, and I run a program for schools, Speaking 4 the Planet, which is an Arts-based approach to sustainability education. I am a reader and writer. I love being in nature – I am a bushwalker, cross-country skier, and canyoner.