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Culture and education
Without education the development of a Permanent Culture would be impossible.
Permaculture teaching has a number of key characteristics. It strives to be: participatory (to engage and include), creative (with a fun element), to encourage questions more than answers, is practical, and is based on the latest understanding on how learners learn. Learning is one of the most important skills anyone can have, and that is especially true for permaculture designers. In permaculture we are often having to adapt to alternative methods in new situations. Being able to learn quickly, make connections and adapt new skills to help move our design or project forward is crucial.
Home schooling (or home education) is an alternative to attending formal school.
Participatory arts and music see the audience as part of the creative process, allowing them to contribute to the development of the artistic work.
Social ecology is a critical social theory founded by Murray Bookchin.
There is a growing awareness of the educational value of offering children in both rural and urban environments the opportunity to learn from nature and to grow their own food.
Both Steiner and Montessori education use formal schooling but with a curriculum that differs considerably from that offered in mainstream schools.
In this context 'transition' refers to the coming transition communities must make due to the dual challenges of climate change and declining oil availability (peak oil).