Awe in Action is a collection of essays that impels the reader to create more opportunities for prosocial and humanitarian action in our children's school life. It is an argument for elevating the moral and civic imperative in contemporary education.
The writing explores approaches to pupil engagement and learning that stem from connected and purpose led approaches. It addresses the need to bring character, virtues and aspiration into learning cultures - particularly acute in the schools within areas of poor social mobility. The message directly tackles the shallow gaming approaches and lack of courage seen with some school leaders. It argues for recognising school cultures that can respect the well being of student and teachers, whilst striving for the highest levels of achievement.
Part one concerns the Emotional Response and importance of Prosocial Emotions in learning- i.e. students are not an inert recipients in their learning. Part two provide a simple action strategy that supports the development of personal skills such as self-regulation, behaviour for performance and student authorship. Part three introduces the Expeditionary Learning philosophy from an angle of a state mandated school.
As it is an Outward Bound book it is initially written with the use of Outdoor Adventurous learning interventions in mind arguing for the importance of Core Experiences for all. The writing moves from positive psychology and social psychology onto sociocultural theory. The audience is primarily the school leader who is looking to deliver impact, who believes in the potential of their children yet has a limited view of possibilities .
Industry Reviews
"...has given a voice to the concept that lies at the very heart of the Outward Bound movement." Nick Barrett, CEO, The Outward Bound Trust; "This book is more of a call to arms, a source of wisdom, than it is a how-to manual. Kevin Long makes an excellent case for what I'd call a living, flourishing, education. He draws on a vast wealth of authoritative figures to make his own case, and to show us how to make the case for ourselves. There is no patronizing, just page after page of stop and think moments." Matt Bawden, Editor, Character Matters, Journal of The Association of Character Education; "An important message. A new and very interesting approach of practical value to educators" Dr. Tom Harrison - Head of Education, Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham"Now, more than ever, we need a book like this to remind us that education is not about test scores--it is about bringing out the best in students as learners, citizens, and human beings.." Ron Berger- Chief Education Executive, EL Education
