What is the action learning pathway?

This is the path to the Diploma of Designer in Applied Permaculture.

The objective of the Action Learning Pathway is to integrate the understanding of the ethics and principles of permaculture as well as to put into practice the theory that the student learned during the PDC, by applying it to his or her own personal projects.

The most important aspect of this model is its cyclical nature. 

This means that real active learning involves some aspects of the four steps:

… do -> observe -> think -> plan -> do -> do…..

If only one is missing, the learning will be incomplete and the necessary modifications and additions will have to be made to the course.

Who is it intended for?

To all those who have completed the 72-hour Permaculture Design Certificate course and who want to enroll in the Academy with support and assistance as they progress towards the Diploma of Designer in Applied Permaculture.

Learning in action is a journey of at least two years, during which you live your life, make your choices, make your decisions. Choosing how to change your lifestyle after a PDC, what strategies to use and how to implement them, means engaging in a design process.

To do this, the apprentice can ask for the support of his or her tutors at any time and more particularly twice a year through project tutorials in which you will analyse together:

  • the reflection you do to identify your priorities for change;
  • the limiting factors and opportunities you perceive in the situations that life presents to you;
  • which design ideas you choose and why;
  • how you proceed to make the changes;
  • how you decide on the effectiveness of a strategy based on your experience.

The design process must be evident in the evolution of the diploma work.

And when your way of life and your projects are consistent with the theory in which you believe, then you can support others in their changes.

Design support tutorials

Design support tutorialsis a two-hour meeting during which you expose and explain your design work in order to get feedback from an already qualified graduate.

Your tutor will help you to find the common thread of the project and overcome the obstacles you encounter during your design work, up to your presentation for the diploma. You must do a minimum of two tutoring sessions per year during your apprenticeship. Tutoring is not free, it is up to you to find a financial arrangement with the chosen tutor.

Apprenticeship support tutorial

This is a half-hour discussion by phone or Skype, during which you discuss the following 4 questions:

1. What is going well for you as a permaculture apprentice?

2. What are your challenges as a permaculture apprentice?

3. What are your goals and long-term vision as a permaculture apprentice?

4. What are your thoughts on your next step as a permaculture apprentice?

Your registration fee at the Academy entitles you to an apprenticeship support tutorial every 6 months.