Learning Rebellion

DOES THE WAY WE TEACH AND LEARN MAKE SENSE IN THIS CLIMATE AND ECOLOGICAL
EMERGENCY?
Of course, it does not. So let’s do something about it.

Together we will further build upon a collection of resources and coordinated strategies towards a
non-violent direct education which addresses how we teach and learn in this emergency.

Learning Rebellion is exploring the connection between this existential crisis and our schools,
colleges, universities, curricula, methods of assessment, communities, lifestyles, politics, economies
and power structures. We need to reimagine what education might look like if it were to play its vital
role in a society that prioritises life and the inherent value of a living planet. Our schools, colleges
and universities, although full of professionals who care passionately and want to be part of positive
change, have become a function of the socio-economic system that is killing life on Earth.

Extinction Rebellion has started to change the political and public debate on the climate and
ecological emergency. In parliament the emergency has at least been acknowledged. Responses
have been discussed. What has become clear is that there is a vast gulf between what we, as a
society, are starting to accept that we need to do, and what we are actually willing to do. The
changes required are systemic: financial, psychological and cultural. How do we challenge the
violence of the existing system, rife with competition, inequality, destructive consumption and
exploitation of natural resources?

PRACTICAL STRATEGY
1.
To work on getting a climate and ecological emergency declared in each of our educational
institutions. Schools which have already been working on this have brought together practical advice
and resources to help others build on their success. By declaring and recognising the emergency it
brings into question what we teach and learn.

2.
A series of disruptive programmes, in collaboration with other groups, to take place within
educational institutions with the aim of asking, as loudly as possible: does the way we teach and
learn make sense in a climate and ecological emergency?

This may include engagement in an alternative curriculum (openly refusing to follow the existing
model), coordinated walk-outs from lessons and other forms of non-violent direct action.

3.
Together we will develop, test and share resources for non-violent direct education to explore how
we teach and learn, going forward. These aim to be relevant for all levels of education, for all
subjects and to address the truth of Climate Breakdown, help students have a strong skill base to
cope with the crises, and provide support for positive solution-based learning that can be applied on
a local, national and International level.

Want to be involved? Get in touch: learningrebellion@gmail.com