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Stories on the trials, tribulations and triumphs of lifelong learning in a changing world

The Ecosystem for Change
A Thought Sam Frankel A Thought Sam Frankel

The Ecosystem for Change

You can’t fix a plant by shouting at the leaves; you have to nurture the ecosystem. Learning Allowed’s Five Elements framework is inspired by Inner Development Goals (IDGs) bridging inner growth for outer change in everyday learning environments.

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The Future of Sport in Canada: We must do better!
What's Happening Taunya Wideman-Johnston What's Happening Taunya Wideman-Johnston

The Future of Sport in Canada: We must do better!

Sport mandates in Canada aim to create safe, inclusive, and equitable spaces for children and youth, yet a recent Commission found that for far too many, sport has been an environment marked by abuse and insecurity, where no one has been held accountable. The core message from the Commission's 98 calls for action is clear: this culture of harm, reinforced by a long-standing culture of silence and the belief in "sport exceptionalism," must be stopped.

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The Educator Identity
A Thought Sam Frankel A Thought Sam Frankel

The Educator Identity

Whether you are an educator at home, at school, in the office or in community spaces - education needs to be reclaimed as the task of enabling human potential.

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Why we need a Relational Approach to Research with Children
What's Happening Sam Frankel What's Happening Sam Frankel

Why we need a Relational Approach to Research with Children

The prevailing ethical framework for research with children is often built on outdated, adult-centric assumptions, viewing the child as a passive object and compromising genuine engagement for the sake of control and protection. To generate richer, more meaningful research, a fundamental reform based on a relational model is required. Our book, The Ethics of Unlocking Research With Children provides innovative solutions that recognises children's competence as "beings" and prioritises the meaning of their involvement over adult-centric risk assessment.

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The Value of ‘Face to Face’ time
A Thought Sam Frankel A Thought Sam Frankel

The Value of ‘Face to Face’ time

The "screen time emergency" often masks a deeper "disconnection" crisis, where adults must lead by example to foster genuine belonging within the home. Instead of focusing on bans, reclaim meaningful encounters by choosing to PLUG IN to one another through curiosity, shared learning, unified language, growing opportunities, and inspiring change. This collaborative approach moves beyond simply controlling devices to investing in the quality of relationships.

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Are we really 'poisoning' our learners?
A Thought Sam Frankel A Thought Sam Frankel

Are we really 'poisoning' our learners?

Nigel Farage’s assertion that UK teachers are “poisoning our kids” diverts attention from critical issues like surge in pupils with Special Education Needs (SEN) and teacher retention. Genuine structural solutions rather than political distractions are needed to resolve UK educational system.

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Does the new Ofsted framework ‘allow’ new opportunities?
A Thought Fiona Cheong A Thought Fiona Cheong

Does the new Ofsted framework ‘allow’ new opportunities?

The updated Ofsted School Inspection Toolkit offers opportunities for progressive interpretation, particularly in encouraging the learning journeys of all pupils. This approach aligns with Learning Allowed's LEARN 2050 programme, aiming to foster resilient, lifelong learners capable of managing varied challenges.

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Ambassador Trial Programme Underway
What's Happening Sam Frankel What's Happening Sam Frankel

Ambassador Trial Programme Underway

Launch of the LEARN 2050 Educators Ambassador programme with the University of Bedfordshire. This pilot programme integrates with the University’s PGCE course for secondary school teachers, aiming to connect teachers with a developed approached to exploring learning experiences.

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From LEARN 2030 to LEARN 2050
A Thought Sam Frankel A Thought Sam Frankel

From LEARN 2030 to LEARN 2050

Learn 2030 to Learn 2050 accounts for AI rapidly changing how we live and think, challenging our traditional roles and sense of purpose. As AI takes on more tasks, we must cultivate independent thinking and curiosity to define our roles authentically, moving beyond job descriptions to embrace continuous learning and meaningful connections.

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An evening in Germany
Our Journey Sam Frankel Our Journey Sam Frankel

An evening in Germany

Dr Sam Frankel and Dr Katie Westwood shared the Learning Allowed approach as part of the Postsdam Research Institute for Early Learning and Educational Action (PINA) colloquium series.

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Moments of Shared Learning are Essential
A Thought Sam Frankel A Thought Sam Frankel

Moments of Shared Learning are Essential

The charitable sector faces a bleak funding climate, evidenced by significant cuts to both national and international development aid. Such reductions not only jeopardize jobs and organizational livelihoods but also risk the loss of crucial knowledge and experience needed to address complex global challenges and build community capabilities.

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Researching with children - getting the ethics right
Our Journey Sam Frankel Our Journey Sam Frankel

Researching with children - getting the ethics right

Learning Allowed founder, Dr Sam Frankel is in Liverpool collaborating with academics to develop resources that support children's active participation in research. This work builds on a recent book project focused on child-centered practice and aims to create tools that improve research accessibility and meaning for child participants.

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