Lenses

The Education Accord NL engages five lenses to bring forth multiple perspectives for the creation of a dynamic, inclusive, sustainable education system for all learners. To support these lenses, Education Accord NL will take a holistic, reflective and evidence-based approach.  

1. Transformation and Responsiveness

Transformative responsive education adapts to changing external factors. It adopts innovative ways of thinking and practices that can address the evolving needs of learners, society, and the workforce. Learning environments premised on transformation and responsiveness empower learners to become critical thinkers, empathetic individuals, and active citizens in creating a more inclusive and equitable society. 

2. Integration

Integrative approaches to education advocate for a sustainable understanding of the multiple perspectives and diverse needs of the education system. Integrative approaches are cohesive and interconnected, embracing the economic, environmental, and social factors that influence society. Such alignment fosters civic engagement thus addressing evolving global challenges. 

3. Stakeholder/Community Collaboration

Stakeholder/community-focused approaches to education reflect collaborative, holistic approaches to learning which value the contributions of all stakeholders and partners, seeking to result in positive outcomes for individual learners and the broader community. These approaches support values, beliefs, norms and principles that foster strong partnerships and collaborations, uphold cultural identity and diversity, while helping to build vibrant communities.

4. Active Professional Learning and Engagement

Active, engaged learning empowers individuals to be advocates of their own continuous, professional learning journey. In effective professional learning, individuals and communities have access and opportunities to engage in self-directed learning while being supported by subsystems. Effective professional learning is needs-driven, embedded in practice, sustainable, and reflective. Regular feedback and assessment processes are needed to ensure personal and professional growth.

5. Digital Literacy

Results from creative and safe application of various technologies, helps learners develop the abilities and skills to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information effectively. Through the development of a foundational set of skills, high levels of digital literacy empowers individuals to participate fully in a digital society, enabling them to access information; communicate with others; solve problems; and succeed in education, work, and daily life.

Note:  Many of the concepts and ideas represented in this circular align with UNESCO sustainable development goals. Please see:  the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2020). Education for sustainable development:  A roadmap. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000374802.locale=en