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1 NPO Tel: Fax: naranpocente r@k8.dio n.ne.jp URL: NPO Tel Fax naranpocenter@k8.dion.ne.jp URL: 1

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3 NPO I had occasion to attend the "Let's design our future" seminar where Eileen Adams had been invited by Nara NPO Center to talk about the development of 'Machiwork'in the UK, a project wherein children can develop knowledge and understanding of their environment and a positive attitude as a member of the global community. This is very similar to the 'Active alternative education' project designed by Gen Nakagawa and others two years before. The conference therefore, was a healthy exchange of ideas and concepts between what Eileen had to say and what has been taking place in Nara in the 'Active alternative education' program. As an educator of many years experience, Eileen Adams explained there is a connection between people, structures and spaces. The environment is a starting point. If children are encouraged to explore the environment they live in, by looking at the past and the present, they can then visualize the possibilities for change and improvement in the future. Once children learn they are a part of the environment, that they share part responsibility in the way it is formed and managed. Once they realize that they have a say in the future of their environment, they will see themselves as decision makers, as people who can make a difference in the world. The method Eileen Adams uses is based on art and design, making use of photography, 3D constructions and drawing. In her slide presentation we were shown how through the use of these methods, pupils developed analytical and critical skills and design capability. This in turn led to better communication and a sense of team spirit, wherein decisions are shared and participants work towards a common goal. Of the three methods, drawing is perhaps the most accessible and the easiest. Equipped with pencil and a notebook enables pupils to jot down notes, record ideas and information using their own diagrams, signs or pictures. By building up a collection of drawings, these pictures can become a link in a chain from which pupils can make a connection. 3

4 NPO It will encourage them to ask questions and work things out for themselves. This is turn will develop and encourage them to be independent learners, developing a range of skills necessary to become a responsible citizen. Drawing helps develop the young child s ability to respond to the world, to think, to feel, to shape and communicate ideas. Drawing is now recognized as an important medium for learning, which is the reason why this year, 2003 a campaign is underway in the UK to encourage drawing in all age group, titled The big draw, which will take place at schools, museums and galleries. Breaking boundaries written by Eileen Adams outlines various projects carried out in schools in the UK, covering issues such as: Sense of place: Children visit a place of interest to find objects and structures which give the place its identity. For example, children visited the dockyard which is full of symbols associated with the sea. Buoys Anchor and chain. Rope, metal, wire and string. Children were inspired by all these objects which gave them a sense of maritime history and the sea. Natural forms : When children go to the countryside, they discover that fields forests and waterways has been affected by people through agriculture and transport. The children are encouraged to explore the natural environment and to see the impact people have on nature. Their design and artwork reflect the connection between natural form and built form. Landscape: Landscape is part of a built environment. Children became involved with a new art center being built at their school. They looked at the plan prepared by architects. Working in groups using the digital camera, drawings and observation note, they explored their own ideas and design for the new centre. These ideas were presented to the headteacher. Machiwork, needs the involvement of architects, planners, artists and people from different walks of life to be part of this education process. We should recognize the value of art and design, not as artifacts, but as a means of perception, a way of seeing the world, of understanding who we are and creating our environment anew, Eileen Adams says. By using art, design and the environment to develop the social skills needed to become a responsible adult, Eileen Adams has shown us one way to empower children to create a better world. 4

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7 NPO in ) NPO 3F in BUNDjugend Umwelt Kinder Tag- - NGN) Tel/Fax nara_green_net@yahoo.co.jp 7

8 NPO Tel Fax naracapm4.kcn.ne.jp / art-care@popo.or.jp / Tel Fax