LocalMotion Learning Framework: Discovering, acting on, and shaping our work. Check it out

What is it?

Embodied Learning emphasises learning through doing and takes inspiration from Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (1984). By using the activity in place as the starting point for learning it creates a clear yet accessible focus for learning. This helps more effectively embed learning, fostering engagement and contribution to the broader learning journey. Learning through action also ensures learning is always rooted in place and allows for variation across the six places, as well as for variation for different contexts such as learning across networks at organisational level within LocalMotion or learning at the national level.

How does it work?

Embodied learning is essentially the reviewing of activity to understand what happened, why it happened and what change it created. From this, deeper observations and patterns can emerge, as well as insights to inform future activity. The learning framework includes a range of activities that can be used for embodied learning.  These include a custom designed game (LocalQuest: the Systems Change Game), reflective activities, creative activities and storytelling activities which are rooted in real-world situations and experiences to support both learning and influencing. Activities range in intensity from short reflective activities that can be added onto existing meetings to longer activities that require focused sessions. In addition to the activities found in the toolkit, each of the local places will already have their own formats for learning which can be incorporated into a wider learning agenda or used as the source of embodied learning.

Who is engaged?

Everyone involved in LocalMotion should be encouraged to participate in embodied learning sessions. Local facilitators should ideally be identified, thereby building local capacity for learning and supporting the wider LocalMotion goal of learning as an outcome. Facilitators could be drawn from members of the Local Coordination group, wider networks, or community members with a passion for learning seeking to build their skills and experience.

How is this learning used?

Insights from the embodied learning activities are recorded on the LocalMotion Notion page as part of the embodied learning activity. This is a key part of the sense making process as it forces the group to decide what is important to support the gathering of focussed insights that relate to the local place vision and our collective shared purpose to re-imagine a more just future for everyone. It also reduces the labour post sessions as the work of recording is done collectively.

For each embodied learning session, the group will record their key insights and also what they will do because of these insights. This information will be recorded in a single page on Notion tagged by place allowing anyone involved in LocalMotion to access the insights in support of local and wider national learning.

The four key LocalMotion questions (below) are used to guide reflection after embodied learning activities, as well as to support with the capturing of insights and sense-making for recording on Notion.  This helps to frame insights and sense-making to support with integrated learning at local and national levels.

  1. What are we learning through the work?
  2. What patterns are we observing from the work?
  3. How can we adapt and grow from what we’ve learned and what do we need to do so?
  4. How do we share and amplify our learning to create impact?

Embodied Learning Activities

Discover the tools in ou Toolkit to aid your Embodied Learning

Embodied Learning Activities