The session design will feature a number of opportunities for class participation to: take the opportunity of letting the audience share their knowledge: to engage the class in an interactive session; to allow the class to part-own the direction and content of the session.
The session will feature innovative teaching methods to allow me to explore different ways to impart knowledge and to engage the audience in different ways.
The session plan will have built-in flexibility to allow the timings of it to be adjusted.
The session will feature a review of permaculture ethics to remind the audience what they are and an exercise to help them to relate the ethics to the food choices.
Function-Element Analysis
The function-element analysis diagram shows that each function can be performed by a number of element, and that each element performs a number of functions. For example the 'Open Space' element was a way to get into the detail of the subject of food choices and allow the participants of the session direct the topics covered and engage in the session. It allowed me to try an innovative teaching method, and one that can be tailored to the available time.
From the set of elements identified, all in the diagram below were used except the direct use of permaculture principles to relate food choices back to permaculture. Ethics was the preferred element, because it performs functions in addition to relating to permaculture. The session length could for example, be tailored to be shorter using ethics than principles beacuse there are less of them and they could be reviewed quickly if necessary.
Where functions are designed to be fulfilled by elements involving class participation, a redundancy plan will be put in place in case the class is not feeling like participating, or has insufficient knowledge to give a particular subject adequate coverage. The in the main is using the 'Instructor Supplied' element, whereby I will fill in the gaps as appropriate. The ideal situation though is to reduce my own role to a facilitator and let the class lead certain subjects. This will help participants grow in confidence at speaking in the class environment.
SWOC Analysis
Strengths
Knowledge: Passionate about food sourcing and strong ethical views - good knowledge of the subject matter.
Teaching Experience: Previous experience of working in a teaching environment, albeit quite distinct from permaculture (professional IT skills).
Relatively Simple: Of all sessions during a PDC, Food Choices is relatively straightforward and tends to generate discussion and lively participation from the audience if facilitated appropriately.
Familiarity: Familiarity with the audience, this session being held on day 11 of the 12 day PDC.
Weaknesses
Permaculture Experience: No previous teaching experience in a permaculture environment.
Opportunities
Learning: The audience has the opportunity to learn about food choices and contribute their knowledge.
Practice Teaching: This session gives me the opportunity to practice and gain experience teaching permaculture in a relatively safe environment. The participants are well known and friendly, and since the course is drawing to a close, credibility of the teaching staff has already been accomplished.
Teaching Methods: This session gives me the opportunity to practice innovative and creative teaching methods that are associated with teaching permaculture.
Income Stream: Teaching permaculture presents the opportunity for an income stream. Volunteering to teach this session could be a stepping stone to further involvement in teaching permaculture at this and other centres.
Improve Knowledge: An opportunity to consolidate and formalise my knowledge of this subject.
Constraints
Time to prepare: there was a one month gap between being asked to teach the session in May and its delivery in June 2012. This period was already busy with a full time job and other commitments, so there would not be much time to prepare for the session. Commuting time could be utilised for background reading.
Costs: No budget available for preparation of resources and materials.
Session time: Food choices is a big subject that generates a lot of discussion. The session will need to be paced appropriately to cover the subject in the time allowed. Also need to be flexible about the session length should previous sessions over-run.