Learning in a different way:  how we build knowledge and deliver action across industry.  

Experiential Learning Manager Joe Pitts-Cunningham shares what learning looks like for UKGBC and why learning in a different way is so important

If I asked you ‘what comes to mind when you think about learning and education?’, you’d probably picture a classroom. Perhaps a row of desks with a teacher or expert at the front. Maybe they’re talking to a deck of slides. You’re not alone – that’s how most people see education.  

But we know that people don’t really take in information this way – how much can you remember of your school days? Instead, people learn by discussing topics with other people and actually doing stuff.  

That is exactly what we’ve found during two recent learning opportunities run by UKGBC. So, I thought I’d tell you about them and perhaps, you might like to step out of the classroom with us.  

A technical workshop with a difference  

The first is a session we ran on writing a decent Whole Life Carbon Assessment report. As a technical topic that needs precise guidance, it might not seem like the best opportunity to do something different. But we didn’t let that stop us! Alongside Alex, the UKGBC lead for embodied carbon, we created a workshop unlike most learning opportunities on the topic.  

Rather than telling the cohort what makes a good assessment, we gave them a bunch of example assessments and asked them to tell us what was good and what was bad.  

By stepping outside of the ‘sage on a stage’ format of an expert delivering information, the cohort got into deep discussions about WLCA assessments. Each group fed back different and insightful comments which were shared in a final report.

Here’s what some of the delegates said:  

“I loved how interactive the session was. I had never run through a full report so I found this really helpful and to gain insight from other companies within the industry” 

Collaboration is a key to learning” 

What happens next? Well, the discussion sparked ideas and revolution which will hopefully lead to better WCLA reporting in the future.  

Come to the next of these workshops on 7 November, delivered online here.

A masterclass in nature

The second takes us outside and into a forest near Perivale. Biophilic Buildings is a masterclass with a difference; you won’t find any slides here, and you’ll need some decent shoes (and maybe a raincoat).  

In this session run by Nigel – an expert in facilitating outdoor exploration workshops – and Dylan – the most enthusiastic ecologist you’ll ever meet – delegates are challenged to step out of the office and into nature. 

Through exploration of forest and grassland ecosystems, delegates explore how nature works. Then the fun really starts with a task to create a concept or a building out of materials in the forest. It sounds like play – and in some ways it is – but don’t for a moment think this isn’t learning. The insights and reflections from previous cohorts have been deep and profound.  

 

But don’t take my word for it, here’s what some people have said:  

I was expecting a traditional workshop in room learning policies and regulations updates, instead they provided an incredible experience communicated with passion and enthusiasm” 

Thank you very much again for your enthusiasm, passion, care and great engagement. You have a created a wonderful and educative atmosphere for this afternoon which I will pass on to others whilst maintaining that sane excitement for nature.” 

Learning doesn’t have to be constrained to a classic classroom environment; it doesn’t have to involve slides; and it certainly doesn’t have to be boring. At UKGBC, we’re creating learning experiences that are both knowledge-building, but also highly engaging experiences.  

If you’re ready, join us to learn in a different way.  

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