Abstract
Emerging from the ebb and flow of a constantly changing complex world, balancing the paradoxes and contradictions of our times, is greater recognition of the interdependency and interconnection of the whole. Finding a voice within and between competing agendas and dominant paradigms suggests the need for reflective and transformative spaces and places where connection, imagination, curiosity, risk taking, dialogue, and self-expression can build peoples capacity for learning, and change, through focused attention and intention. The ‘third space’ recognises the tensions and possibilities inherent in the nexus of interdisciplinary knowledge, cultural learning, and social connection. Drawing on disciplines of the Social Sciences, the Arts and Psychology, this workshop facilitates an experiential learning opportunity within embodied domains of learning, including, Chinese brush painting, poetry, music, mindfulness, movement, and dialogue (purposeful conversation). The Arts facilitate an interplay where participants actively explore, create, and reflect, in a spirit of play designed to elicit insight and understanding through emotion, language and communication. Experiential learning processes are relational, engaging participants in critical and reflective thinking to surface assumptions, question values and beliefs, and encourage change. In addition, increased self-awareness fosters self-efficacy and acknowledgement of our shared humanity, is crucial for disrupting the status quo and challenging social, environmental, economic, cultural, and political inequities.
Presenters
Kathryn McLachlanHonorary Senior Research Fellow, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia Peter McKenzie
Research fellow/Carer Academic (mental health), The Bouverie Center, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, Victoria, Australia Bronwen Wade-Leeuwen
Educator Researcher (STEAM), School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Communication, Connection, Imagination, Curiosity, Experiential and Social Learning
