Return of the JEDI

Georgie was one of 21 emerging professionals chosen to undertake the four-month, cross-disciplinary and collaborative research project. This year’s theme was “JEDI:” how to promote Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in contemporary learning environments.

Presenting their findings at the LEA regional conference in Christchurch last month, the 2023 Mayfielders have developed The Authentic Engagement Toolkit. This practical guide offers significant promise as a standardised tool for the design of human-centred, holistic learning environments. Accessed via the LEA website, the downloadable and printable toolkit is split into four sections that speak directly to the four key stakeholder groups: Designers of Space, Designers of Learning, Community, and Learners.

Authentic listening is at the heart of the guide, and so the toolkit comprises a series of prompt cards for observation, conversation and action. These aim to facilitate constructive dialogue between stakeholders forged in targeted questioning and collaboration. The aim is to deliver more meaningful learning spaces and – ultimately – more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive educational outcomes. While the toolkit is still in beta phase, and requires additional funding to see it developed further, the Mayfielders were thrilled to see visiting practitioners already putting it to use during the week-long conference.

Georgie played a key reportage role for the Designers of Space sub-committee throughout the project, as well as supporting the development of the toolkit’s conference presentation graphics. Happily, she was also on hand at the LEA Awards dinner to receive R&Y’s Commendation for the Port Lincoln High School Development – a project for which she made significant contributions. We look forward to seeing how authentic engagement will serve our education clients as we incorporate these new design methodologies into the future.