Location: Online via Zoom

Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (CET)

Dr. Katie Westwood and Dr. Sam Frankel

Lecturer in Division of Education and Society, University of Dundee and part of the charity-organization „Learning Allowed“

Co-Creating a Passion for Learning in Early Years and Beyond

This presentation examines how educational environments can be co-created to foster and sustain a passion for learning from early childhood onwards. Drawing on an analysis of discourses that frame the approach of Learning Allowed, a UK based organisation, to collaborating with children and young people, the presentation explores how recognizing children as capable and thoughtful contributors challenges educational paradigms that restrict children’s agency and imagination. The approach advances a shift towards educational cultures grounded in connection, curiosity and meaning making. Emphasizing practical and reflective strategies, it seeks to support children’s engagement as active learners. The presentation further considers how early experiences of learning contribute to individuals’ developing identities as learners and highlights the benefits of learning alongside children in ways that prioritizes listening to children’s thousand languages, valuing relationships and promoting lifelong learning. Illustrative examples are drawn from diverse research projects, including an ethnographic PhD study, work with children in an Additional Support Needs Sport setting, and school-based research, to demonstrate how these principles create meaningful connections in practice.