AUSTRALASIAN ASSOCIATION for PROGRESSIVE & ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION

RATIONALE

The AAPEA is for all those interested and involved in progressive, alternative and democratic education.

It is for learners and educators regardless of age. It is for all in the community who wish to share and extend their experience and knowledge of such education. We define progressive and alternative in the following ways.

Progressive Education is that which emphasises personal relationships between learners and teachers. It includes an awareness of and a breaking down of power dynamics. Teachers are learners/mentors/catalysts with the learner. It is inclusive and has a celebratory attitude towards the gifts learners bring. What learners are able to do and know about themselves becomes central to the learning process. It is a learner-directed and/or managed approach. Teacher intervention may be minimal at certain times and in certain areas. Teaching is usually in context, using concrete materials and the principles of holistic and conceptual learning, supporting any specific learning the child needs or desires, rather than behavioural approaches such as drills and repetitive rote learning for their own sake.

Alternative Education is that which promotes the use of democratic decision making processes in the school. Students, parents, teachers, staff all participate in these processes. It deals with conflict through dialogue. It encourages self direction, self determination and self regulation, and a life long love of learning and refrains from using coercive and manipulative approaches. Groupings are multi-aged and provide a wider social perspective. It provides opportunities for students to work at their own levels, rather than predetermined levels according to age. There is usually a promotion of co-operation rather than competition.

AAPEA is committed

*to a philosophy which values the participation of all in the learning process, particularly the learner/student.

*to ensuring the existence of structures and processes that enable the full participation of all in the decision making relevant to that learning.

*to supporting debate, research and processes which encourage cooperation

*to being a secular organization which provides equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, culture, gender, disability or sexuality

AUSTRALASIAN ASSOCIATION for PROGRESSIVE & ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION

AIM

AAPEA aims to promote and support individuals, regardless of age, schools and educational groups, who believe in and act according to the principles of Progressive and Alternative Education articulated above.

OBJECTIVES

To provide an ORGANISATION which promotes, encourages and supports .the values of progressive and alternative education .democratic governance of schools and educational groups. innovative ways to implement the above.

To provide a FORUM for .discussion .sharing .development of progressive/alternative philosophy and practice

To form LINKS and NETWORKS between .individuals .schools .education groups .communities who share similar ideas and practices

To provide a UNITED GROUP for the purposes of .lobbying .communicating .negotiating with State and Federal Departments and other relevant government and non government departments and organizations.

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To provide opportunities to engage in professional and personal development through conferences, seminars etc

.To share ideas, research and resources and engage in professional exchange through publications, email, group, newsletters, journal,

.To develop and maintain a website as a means of communicating and disseminating information

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To fundraise, accept gifts and bequests on behalf of the association.