Home / Education / Radical Teacher Championed Learning Beyond Books
Radical Teacher Championed Learning Beyond Books
7 Nov
Summary
- He championed a system to value all learning, regardless of origin.
- Norman Evans promoted experiential learning in the UK.
- He established the Learning from Experience Trust in 1986.
Norman Evans, a transformative educator, passed away at 87, leaving a significant legacy in the field of experiential learning. He championed the belief that all learning holds intrinsic worth, irrespective of how, when, or where it was acquired. This philosophy drove his work in developing and promoting the Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Evans's career began in secondary schools and teacher training, where he challenged educational orthodoxies. His move into research led him to promote experiential learning in the UK through organizations like the Institute of Policy Studies and the establishment of the Learning from Experience Trust in 1986. His efforts opened doors for mature students lacking formal qualifications but possessing valuable life experience.
His radical approach extended to his time as head of Senacre school in the 1950s, where he advocated for a respectful and engaging curriculum for all students. Later, at Culham College and Bishop Lonsdale College, he further pushed boundaries, even contributing to the creation of the University of Derby. Despite facing resistance, Evans's dedication to inclusive education left an indelible mark.
