Ep 177: Interview with Dr Mark Leather

The Forest School Podcast

https://www.marjon.ac.uk/about-marjon/staff-list-and-profiles/leather-dr-mark.html

Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠

www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠ 🌲🎧.

Leave this episode a review on your podcast player!

Find out about our sessions and Forest School Leader Training in Devon, UK at www.children-of-the-forest.com

Summary

In this conversation, Lewis, Wem, and Mark Leather discuss the use of swearing in forest school and academia, the feral nature of forest school research, and the upcoming forest school research symposium. They also explore the importance of asking participants for their perspectives and the need for adaptability in evidencing learning. The conversation highlights the diverse approaches within forest school and the potential benefits of different niches. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, research, and open-mindedness in forest school and academia. The conversation explores the challenges of articulating and assessing forest school practices in a traditional written format. It discusses the need for creativity and playfulness in education and the importance of allowing for subjectivity and individuality in forest school settings. The conversation also touches on the role of research in forest school practice and the potential for a national body to establish criteria and guidelines. The symposium is seen as an opportunity to connect forest school leaders and researchers and foster collaboration and innovation.

Chapters

00:00 Swearing in Forest School and Academia

02:12 The Feral Branch of Forest School Research

03:13 The Spectrum of Approaches in Forest School

09:40 The Forest School Research Symposium

28:04 Articulating Forest School Practices

29:32 Creativity and Playfulness in Education

30:01 The Challenge of Evidence in Forest School

31:39 Assessment in Forest School

34:05 Balancing Control and Playfulness

38:00 The Unique Nature of Forest School Education

49:22 Research and Collaboration in Forest School

51:03 The Symposium as a Platform for Collaboration