Episode Details

The Role of Imagination in Ecological Education with Dr. Gillian Judson

Discussion Highlights:

1. Walking Curriculum: Discover the innovative approach behind the Dr. Judson's Walking Curriculum, aimed at integrating imagination and place-based learning. Learn how outdoor educational practices can nurture curiosity and ecological awareness into your outdoor classroom.
2. Role of Imagination in Ecological Education: Delve into how imagination serves as a crucial tool in fostering ecological understanding and responsibility among students, encouraging deeper connections with nature.
3. Cognitive Tools in Learning: Explore the concept of cognitive tools as essential elements in imaginative teaching, enhancing students' capacity to engage with new information meaningfully.
4. Leadership and Imagination: Hear Dr. Judson's insights on how imaginative approaches can revolutionize educational leadership, fostering environments that embrace creativity and drive social and ecological progress.
5. Soil as a Metaphor: Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on how Dr. Judson uses soil as a metaphor for learning and growth.

Meet Dr. Gillian Judson:

Dr. Gillian Judson is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. She gratefully works on unceded traditional Indigenous territories, including those of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen Nations. She investigates imaginative and ecological teaching practices (PreK through post-secondary) with expertise in a pedagogy called Imaginative Education and Imaginative Ecological Education. She also researches the role of imagination in educational leadership, with a specific focus on leadership for social and ecological justice. Her latest books are entitled Cultivating Imagination in Leadership: Transforming Schools and Communities (Judson & Dougherty, Eds., Teachers College Press, 2023), Imagination and the Engaged Learner: Cognitive Tools for the Classroom. (Egan & Judson, 2016),Engaging Imagination in Ecological Education: Practical Strategies for Teaching (Judson, 2015), and A Walking Curriculum (Judson, 2018/2019); A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years (Judson, Mckay & Redford, 2023). Check out her other books here.

Links

imaginED website: www.educationthatinspires.ca

The Cultivate Imagination project website (podcasts and blogs): www.cultivateimagination.ca

Gillian's SFU faculty webpage: https://www.sfu.ca/education/faculty-profiles/gjudson.html

Gillian's books

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gillian-Judson/author/B0045DWQ4G?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Outdoor Classroom Resources:

• Explore our Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification program.
• Join the Discussion: Continue the conversatio