It's up to us to take ownership of our learning

The gas range was cleaned up and repainted and in the corner is a propane refrigerator.

We flew over primarily to celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary, but in the week before the big day we were able to briefly stop in to my old farm, named Trollbakken by a previous owner.

Although the farm has been in the hands of a Springboks supporter for the past five years (a South African immigrant to the United States), it has remained in relatively good nick.

The sights, sounds and smells of the place reminded me of the days, weeks, months and years I spent building soil fertility, growing organic veges and renovating the farmhouse. When I bought the farm in 2000, I had no formal training in agriculture or building. I had been an environmental studies teacher for the previous 10 years, and so I knew about crop rotation and solar energy on a textbook level, but had never done them.

The next eight years could be described as learning-by-doing. Although I acquired a large collection of books on organics and eco-building, the real learning took place through trial and error. There is no substitute for experience.

A number of unique features of the farm made for an unusual learning experience.

First, it was the last property on a dead-end road, a kilometre beyond the nearest neighbour. It was quiet, and days could pass without my seeing anyone.

Second, the house was wired for low voltage DC electricity powered by two small solar panels. Aside from a chainsaw, I rarely used power tools for building and renovation.

Third, I chose to manage my market gardens entirely by hand. Aside from transporting hay and compost in the back of a ute, I grew all of my veges without fossil fuels.

To some readers this may seem like a Siberian work camp, but to me it was a post-graduate education in eco-thrifty design/build. Similar to the PhD I just completed through the University of Waikato, my "studies" at Trollbakken required independence, determination and self-discipline. As I have come to understand, these are some of the key characteristics of adult learners.

When we are no longer in compulsory schooling, it is up to us to get off our bums and take ownership for our learning. I would argue that this is the best type of learning because adult learners usually undertake education - be it informal or formal - that is relevant and meaningful to their lives. This could include job training and career advancement programmes, or, as I've been involved with, sustainability workshops based on saving power and money while protecting the environment.

Any adult that lives in a home, pays a power bill, or eats vegetables may see some relevance in one or more of these upcoming free and low-cost presentations scheduled to mark Adult Learners' Week/He Tangata Matauranga, from September 2-8. The programme is a partnership between the ECO School, Adult and Community Education Aotearoa, and Community Education Service Wanganui.

Scheduled presentations
Monday, September 2: Warm, Dry, Healthy Homes - 5.30pm-6.30pm, Gonville Café Library, Abbot St. Free.

Tuesday, September 3: Understanding Your Power Bill - 5.30pm-6.30pm, Gonville Café Library, Abbot St. Free.

Wednesday, September 4: Organic Vege Gardening - 5.30pm-6.30pm, 10 Arawa Place, Castlecliff. Koha.

Thursday, September 5: Ask a Solar Question - 7pm-9pm, $20. Registration essential - phone CES on 06 3454717.

Friday, September 6: Composting - 5.30pm-6.30pm, 10 Arawa Place, Castlecliff. Koha.

Saturday, September 7: Fruit Tree Care - TBD (phone 06 3445013). Free.

Sunday, September 8: Eco-Literacy Day - 3pm-5pm, 10 Arawa Place, Castlecliff. Koha.Adult learners usually undertake education ... that is relevant and meaningful to their lives. MY OLD HOME: The "university" of Trollbakken where the new is blended with the old.