Our Ethos

Bean Learning was born out of love and respect for children and a deeply held belief that they deserve the best learning experiences available. It is important to us that our approach is informed by high quality research, as well as by our own years of experience. Educational practice has come a long way in recent years, thanks to a lot of great research. What we now know is that children learn best when the subject matter is relevant to them personally; they are feeling emotionally balanced and safe; they have autonomy over their own needs and learning; and they feel a connection with the educator. It is essential to pitch the learning at the appropriate level so that the learner is challenged but not overwhelmed, and that the learner has opportunities to develop competency, through repetition and practice, and also have their learning extended by an experienced educator. Central to our ethos is that people thrive in shame-free environments, where punishments are replaced by needs-based communication and appropriate support.

If you are interested in our ethos and would like to learn more about it, please visit our blog, browse our sessions for adults or get in touch for individual support or bespoke sessions for your workplace or group.

Needs-based Communication

At Bean Learning, we work to create an environment in which everyone can share their needs and feelings, feel heard and validated and discuss how to move forwards with those needs being taken into account. Rather than using shame, punishment or our inherent power as adults to address challenging behaviour, we support learners to identify what needs they have that are not being met and find a way to meet those which does not compromise the needs of others. We encourage empathy by focussing on how actions affect others, through impartial discussion or mediation with all involved.

An Unconditional Approach

In order to encourage empathy and create a safe, nurturing learning environment, Bean Learning uses an unconditional approach, free of punishment and shame. Where possible, we avoid subjective praise and instead notice, comment on and carefully question. This means that the focus is not on the receiving of praise or avoidance of punishment, but rather the intrinsic value of the activity itself or empathy for others. By focusing our attention on the process, effort and thinking that has gone into a piece of work, rather than the end result, we encourage intrinsic motivation, a growth mindset and a love of learning.

Respect, Power and Autonomy

At Bean Learning, we treat others with respect, regardless of age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, background or religion. We take any power dynamics that may be present into account and actively work to recognise and counter the effects of these on our interactions. This includes using a consent-based approach and not behaving in a way that is coercive, manipulative or authoritative. We respect children’s autonomy to learn in ways that meet their needs and preferences.

Useful resources:

• Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn

• Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg

• Punished by Rewards by Alfie Kohn