This page is part of the Education 'Lab' and the UnifyingPilot
Started June'08 - Observation questionnaire
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What should a PDC cover?
Suzy: 2 weeks (72 hrs) is too short to fully cover the designer’s manual, what should be covered in more detail and what can be skimmed over.
Stella: we totally agree that 72hrs is far too short so we now teach a regular PDC in no less than 2months (of intensive Action-Learning) & our Integral PDC in no less than 4months. However we encourage people to take one full year of action-learning in order to get proficient at what we consider basic designer level (be able to really understand & design a system rather than copy others' work). The full contents of our curriculum are listed here: www.PermaCultureScience.com > 2. The Programme + the on-line PC book that accompanies the course (that we are developing from 2007 in Spanish, from 2011 in English) is now at www.PermaCultureScience.org All based on the Designers Manual with the important additions on People-Care & EcoEconomics modules.
SteveR: A PDC must cover, and give equal weight, to all aspects in the Designers manual, 72hrs is obviously too short a time to cover everything in detail, after all the least aspect of soils has been the basis for an entire Phd, it is not too long to cover everything in less detail. In France the approach has been to examine what one can go on to do with a PDCertificate, as this is relatively restricted we see at once that a PDC is nothing more than a good introduction, BUT an introduction to ALL aspects of the syllabus. We also decided to use the design project that accompanies a PDC as the basis for awarding a certificate, ie the Certificate isn't just a 'course completion' certificate but a student must have attended at least 90% of the course and have completed a satisfactory design.
Tomas: The Designers Manual is the standard reference book for the PDC in Britain. Other widely used sourcesa nd recommended for UK teachers are Rosemary Morrow's Earth Users Manual and Teacher's Guide, and the Teachers Guide published by the Permaculture Association Britain (PAB). Most courses focus on temperate environments and include a significant proportion of urban applications, reflecting the British conditions. Othe climate zones are addressed with a varying degree of intensity. Despite the humid climate, aquaculture is underrepresented in teaching, as it is among practical examples of permaculture on the ground.
ChrisD: One way to see this is in terms of the bits and pieces that make up the course. Another is to consider the integrating framework that holds all the bits and pieces together ie. permaculture design. I like to start from the ethics as a holistic, integrating, framework for all our work, using them to derive the trinity of environment, community and self (or place, people, person or whatever). I think the bits and pieces of a PDC can then be organised around these three aspects with equal attention given to each. It then becomes very clear which of the bits and pieces are more integral than others, because we can relate them to more than one of these three aspects.
Leo (Netherlands): My personal view is that the PDC should cover the purpose of the PDC. What is the purpose of the PDC? As the name suggest it should have something to do with permaculture design. "Certificate" suggests to me a stamp of approval, an assurance of quality, a standard for the level of knowledge and competence. As the PDC doesn't require any previous training or skills, it must be the minimal level of proficiency in permaculture design. What does that really mean? What should the outcomes of a PDC be? I'd like to suggest that a PDC-holder should be able to:
- understand and subscribe to the permaculture ethics, possibly expanded to subscribing to the Earth Charter
- observe, analyse and understand ecosystems (at least in their own bioregion), their elements and their interactions
- design a resilient local ecosystem to be (more) productive and beneficial for personal and/or community use
- implement such a design including logistics, earthworks as well as social skills in motivating and organising local residents and other users to assist in practical work
- educate local residents and others in the proper use, maintenance and development of such a design
- tell a compelling story
- run their own "business".
A PDC-holder should be able to do this work independently but under the guidance of a mentor (Diploma holder in an appropriate field).
In my experience a PDC course is at higher vocational education level - or should be considering the desired outcome of independent professional work skills. The idea that such an outcome can be achieved in 72 hours without any prior knowledge or experience seems a little optimistic. However given the audience that usually attends PDC courses it can be done, but heavily depends on existing competences of the individual students. To successfully complete a PDC I believe students should have at least have a working knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology and economics. They should be familiar with the scientific method of empirical research as well as holistic approaches to (action) research. Students should have good social and organisational skills.
The PDC itself should then cover in particular:
- the ethical choices of permaculture: care for the earth, people and fair share
- breaking the industrial world view of unquestioning consumerism
- rediscovering common sense, universal connectedness and the genius of nature
- systems thinking
- recognising selected organisms and their properties
- observing and reporting on natural conditions of a project location, elements and their relations and its wider environment
- recognising, understanding and using patterns in design
- identifying and mobilising local resources, including people & funding
- organising and executing a project
- evaluating a project
- producing educational materials, educating local community members, telling good stories
- running a professional practice as designer and educator.
Who can teach a PDC?
SteveR In France we decided to completely restrict this as far as possible to those who have been awarded their Diploma of Permaculture, thus the emphasis is to feed people into the Diploma system from the PDC.
Stella: Also using the guideline of at least one diplomat to oversee the course. Additionally, very mindful to ensure balanced delivery so make efforts to have all courses taught by as great a variety of teachers as possible (ages, experience, gender, background, etc.), in order for students to more easily discern "the permaculture from the style" of the teacher. Profiles of our teachers are public, eg. here.
Tomas: The recommendation of the PAB is that only diploma holders can lead a design course and hand out design certificates produced by the Association. Diploma trainees and others can teach as aprentices.
ChrisD: The main or lead teacher on a PDC should always and only be a diploma holder. All integrating aspects of the course (ethics, design, fundementals of gardening etc) should probably be initiated by a diploma holder. Given that, anyone else can be invited to present sessions on bits and pieces of the PDC, whether they have studied permaculture design or not.
Leo: In the absence of any Dutch formal or informal PC authority, the default is as specified by the PDM and the PC Yearbook of the Permaculture Institute. In the past PDC courses were given by itinerant teachers who hold PDC's or Diploma's from other countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, UK etc. As far as I'm aware it's been more then 10 years since there was a formal PDC course here.
I'd like to suggest that a PDC lead teacher and course convener should have qualifications as a teacher suitable for the region and at least a PDC. Guest teachers at a PDC course should have authentic experience relevant to the PDC curriculum and be able to tell a good story.
When can a PDC holder teach a PDC?
SteveR In France ths would be after acheiving a Diploma
Stella: All are warmly encouraged to, with diplomat supervision, we encourage all teachers to be actively on their diploma pathway. We also invite non-PDC holders who have good practical permaculture skills, if we feel their "memes", skills and knowledge are important to transmit! In this way we 'lure' them to take the rest of the course, as any teachers can attend any of the other modules (they are not expert in) as student teachers if they wish. All teachers have to be practicing permaculture and only teach from their practice, each teaching the subjects they prefer, and we encourage student-teachers to start as soon as possible, alongside, as support people and teaching some parts as they feel confident. With this method we have already achieved some excellent trainee teachers (promising to be a lot better than the oldies at teaching in the future :) Diplomat oversees 'quality control' of course and balance of teachers.
Tomas: Once they have got something to teach. They can only lead a course if the hold a Pc diploma.
ChrisD: I'm with Steve and Tomas here.
Leo: Anyone is a teacher and a student. All should be encouraged to tell their story in the context of a PDC. Diploma holders should be encouraged to mentor beginning PDC holders with an ambition for teaching.
How much practical experience is needed before a PDC holder is qualified to teach?
SteveR A minimum of 2 years and a Diploma.
Stella: very little is necessary if they are an apprendice teacher, as they will co-teach with an experienced teacher. But they must teach only what they have practiced & under the supervision of a diplomat (who is usually the main teacher).
Tomas: Enough to make it relevant to the students. For course leaders, see above.
ChrisD: Is there some confusion here over the word "qualified"? According to Birtish practice, a PDC holder is only "qualified" to teach (as in lead a PDC) when they are awarded a diploma (after a minimum of 2 years study, as Steve says). But PDC holders are encouraged to "teach", as in run introductory talks and courses, immediately.
Leo: Anyone with formal credentials as a teacher should also be qualified to teach a PDC course when the hold a PDC. PDC holders without other teaching qualifications should practice for two years under the guidance of an experienced colleague of PC Diploma (in education) holder.
Who is offering apprenticeships and how are these managed?
SteveR In France these are run through the Université and use the french Compagnonage system which dates from the 17th C.
Tomas: In Britain, individual teachers offer apprenticeships. There are thoughts of using the new diploma system as a route for apprentices.
Stella: there are active email lists and fora in which interested beginners ask questions and find mentors to visit if they wish. There are permaculture projects which independently offer wwoof-type arrangements which are also types of aprendiships. GaiaSis is a programme evolved from many years of experimentation with ActionLearning on site on our particular project.
Leo: In The Netherlands the recently established Coöperatie voor Permacultuur (co-operation for permaculture- CoPe) may start offering apprenticeships soon. The Permacultuurschool Nederland invites guest teachers from time to time.
I'm offering apprenticeships to anyone interested. Apprentices follow an individual learning programme, participating in training sessions, fieldwork, self study, developing teaching materials, organising PermaBlitz events, etc. Progress is evaluated regularly by me as their mentor and fellow apprentices. At the end of the programme a PDC is awarded. The current programme is centred on the restoration of the first (and only) project designed by Bill Mollison in 1989 in the Netherlands at De Twaalf Ambachten in Boxtel.
Who can give out a PD Certificate?
SteveR In France no one person, these are awarded at accreditation events with at at least 2 diploma holders and a group of students.
Tomas: In Britain, certificates are usually given out by the PAB. The PAB holds a dateabse of certified students. But any teacher can make up their own certificate if they like, for what it's worth.
Stella: Diploma certificates so far are given out by the two nodes of the Permaculture Academy in Spain: Permacultura Montsant and Nodo Espiral, both with very experienced diplomats.
Leo: In The Netherlands there is no national PC authority at the moment. The CoPe intends to adopt the Australian/UK/German system, but hasn't announced any time when they will start giving out their own certificates yet. For now the default is as per Bill Mollison's directives, i.e.: any PDC holder.
How does a PDC holder find a trainer who offers supportive teaching apprenticeships?
SteveR In France through the Université (www.permaculturefrance.com)
Tomas: In Britain, through the PAB, through direct contact and through the diploma system. Possibly through the Permaculture Magazine?
Stella: we encourage all of our students (of Nodo Espiral courses) who are interested to apply as aprendice teachers with any of our courses, students from other courses would find out from our website, and have clear instructions for how to apply here: http://aprendizajenaccion.pbwiki.com/ProfesAprendices to which we refer interested people or those we wanto encourage (because we can see they have potential)
The Chaordic Permaculture Institute could fulfill this function very well (as an international listing of diplomats who take trainees)
Leo: So far I'm approaching suitable candidates myself. Some come to me via Transition Towns and ecovillage initiatives.
Who has the right to question whether a PDC holder should be teaching?
SteveR In France this would be discussed through the Association of Permaculture France network.
Tomas: That's currently up for discussion.
Stella: In the Nodo Espiral teachers collective we have set up an application procedure for entry, which includes being approved by other teachers: this was set up to maintain standards of teaching. Ultimately it should be the students, questioning whether the teachers they are considering taking courses from have enough proven practical experience.
Leo: The community of PDC holders and PC institutes? Perhaps a better/different questions should be: Who should question whether a PDC holder should be teaching? Prospective PDC students, certainly :-)
How do we maintain PDC standards?
SteveR This needs some good discussion, basing standards assesement on the European and Internation Conferences is too exclusive to be satisfactory. Here in France we aim to use the Université to maintain standards, circulating information about any people or groups acting to undermine the work of us all.
Tomas: I agreee with Steve above. PDC standards needs continuous development based on a good survey of current standards and practices, thorough analysis and good design. We discussed this at a recent UK teachers meeting - for a report see
http://www.permaculture.org.uk/mm.asp?mmfile=educationteachersgatherings
Stella: going for direct standard assessment I think is necessarily going down the bureocracy road, so I favour indirect methods based on study and application of collective intelligence (self-organizing) systems. One lesson from those is that good clear FOCUSED information needs to be available, for people to self-select (eg. the best teachers, and therefore PDC standards) and self-organize intelligently.
Eg. working on a good diploma system is a way of maintaining PDC standards, indirectly, if we then design for visibility regarding whether a teacher is a diploma holder or not. Also in other ways making visible (and comparable, on as 'even playing ground' as possible) individual teachers' practical achievements* is a way of self-selecting, as potential students can choose which teachers seem to be most able to apply what they teach: this is one reason for the existence of this Chaordic Institute, having a standard form of profile is meant to provide this 'even playing field' in terms of presentations, so that people can judge for themselves, and self-organize.
- I think at the same time we need to emphasize that 'a good permaculture designer' (and therefore teacher) is one with a solid track record of varied, interesting but especially WORKING designs on the ground, as permaculture is a very practical science, not an academic effort (it doesn´t matter how many papers or books you´ve written, how 'popular' you are, nor how developed your web presence is ... yet in a packaging consumerist culture very biased towards star or expert workship, this does not often compute with most people, and we go with what we are used / trained to do).
Leo: I'm in favour of self-organisation and result-based assessment. Applying permaculture design to PDC practice. So perhaps the meaning of this question is more: how do we develop the quality of PDC training in a dynamic universe? First by careful observation of the results of our teaching, actively listening to our students. Observing others teach and let other teachers observe us. Keep an open mind, keep evolving, try new things, make lots of mistakes and learn from them.
How do we support teachers and potential teachers?
SteveR Surely the idea of an Association is that it associates people, too often these days we seem to mistake it for some thing 'out there', it would seem evident that an association of people will support each other?
Tomas: As Steve says. In Britain, the PAB sees itself as that support mechanism, and is widely seen as such. However the teachers network is wider than the Association, and we are trying to make allowances for that.
Leo: The Coöperation voor Permacultuur was recently set up for this purpose. It's in the preliminary stages of operation. Informal self-organising networking like the CPI helps :-) Perhaps a good practice would be to never teach a PDC alone but always in teams of two or three, mixing levels of experience. Maybe an exchange programme between regions?
Where can a teacher get hold of good teaching resources?
SteveR There are at least 4 PmC wiki's, the French site has many downloads available, after that there are the Forums where questions are asked and answered.
Tomas: A list of currently available resources in Britain is part of the survey in the report mentioned above. We also started to identify gaps and potential for creating more resources or sharing them better.
Stella - hopefully by cleverly combining online diploma work with online development of teaching resources (eg. our e-book of permaculture design, www.PermaCultureScience.org)
Leo: Nothing much going on in the Dutch language region yet. Good exception is a recently launched permaculture card game: Living Landscapes. The cards are in 6 languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and German. The Belgian/Dutch association for ecological lifestyle and agriculture (VELT) has a number of great books and pamphlets that can be used as cases in a PDC course. A website by Permacultuurschool Nederland alumni Transiticultuur.nl offers a Dutch language database of useful plants with useful design information. They also made a Dutch language movie (DVD) on permaculture in the Netherlands. CoPe intends to provide teacher's resources in future. I'm working with my apprentices on a -hopefully comprehensive - Dutch language course text
that will be deployed online as a Moodle web site some time next year.
Should we have an international standard or do we need to have local standards?
SteveR We feel it is essential that there is an internation standard. Designers move around, students on PDC's can come from all over the world and then return home. PmC needs to be globally coherent and consistent, Designers should be versed in all aspects and all areas.
Tomas: The most importan issue is compatibility, and a common baseline. To rephrase this question: What is the core of permaculture design, that every course at every level should cover?
Stella: We DO have a very good proposal of an international standard, and it´s the Designers Manual as a base with more detailed instructions found on Bill's site (add link) and it has good suggestions on local adaptation.
Leo: Not an either/or matter IMHO. The international standard should be one of global ethics and scientific integrity. As permaculture is always about locality and small scale, local adaptations seem natural and logically unavoidable. We need both :-) If such a thing is possible, I'd suggest that we need a resilient standard that at the highest level of abstraction is consistent and coherent while being fluid and locally adapted in all relevant details.
Who is offering training for PDC trainers?
SteveR We have in France established a system of 'Unities de valeurs', these are post diploma additional Units that one can add to ones Diploma, spending time studying with one who is expert in a given field. The Compagnon apprenticeship scheme involves a Tour of Permacultures, an apprentice travels from lodging to lodging, each set in a permaculture project and each with a diploma holder and 5 years experience (there is also a complimentary tour of people practicing sustainable development who have not formally studied PmC). The Compagnon hosts will in the future have also completed the Tour, thus gaining much experience.
Tomas: In Britain, Designed Visons offer a Training of Teachers programme; see www.**designed****visions.com There are thoughts to develop training within the diploma system.
Leo: Recently I came across European subsidies for further education of teachers. Permaculture Educators' Course including Transition Initiatives by Living Houses in Denmark, 11 - 18 june 2010.
In my apprenticeship programme I try to put as much teacher training elements as possible. I've also established contact with one of the largest teacher training institutes in the Netherlands, the Fontys Lerarenopleiding Tilburg (FLOT). I'm providing apprenticeships for their students since this november 2009. The focus of the current round of student apprenticeship projects is 'sustainability'. I intend to introduce more permaculture design elements as the relationship with FLOT matures.
Other Discussions About PDC Standards
There are many places where the same kinds of questions have been asked from the beginning of the PDC.
Please let us know of others, so we can keep some kind of continuity, here are some we've come across.
In a Linked-In PC Supporters group, www.linkedin.com/groups/Guidelines-Conducting-Permaculture-Design-Certificate-105358%2ES%2E112579228
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