Transformative Learning: Reflections on 30 Years of Head, Heart, and Hands at Schumacher College

Education as if people and planet mattered

In Transformative Learning, Satish Kumar reflects on the legacy of Schumacher College, a beacon of innovation that fosters an ecological-based, holistic model of higher education built around the college's unique "learn by doing," head, heart, and hands pedagogy.

Over fifty current and former instructors and alumni, including Vandana Shiva, David Orr, Kate Raworth, Fritjof Capra, Bill McKibben, Mary Evelyn Tucker, and Jonathon Porritt, paint a rich picture of education for human well-being and the ecological health of the planet.

Contributions delve deeply into the nature of transformational learning and holistic education, present a wealth of alumni experiences of working towards an ecological society, and detail the expansion of the Schumacher model to Belgium, Brazil, India, Japan, and beyond.

The result is a rich tapestry of ideas and educational methods packed with insights and experience for practitioners and activists looking to build a just, ecological society.

Satish Kumar is long-time peace and environment activist and former monk who has been quietly setting the global agenda of change for over 50 years. He settled in the United Kingdom after an 8,000-mile peace pilgrimage and became editor of Resurgence magazine, a position he held from 1973-2016. During this time, he founded Devon's Schumacher College, authored several books, and presented the successful documentary Earth Pilgrim. He lives in Devon, UK.

Pavel Cenkl, PhD, is a former Dean of Sterling College, Vermont, researcher on ecologically minded curriculum development, environmental philosophy instructor, and avid endurance runner. He is Head of Schumacher College and lives in Devon, UK.