Dominic Cranfield's Journey with a BA in Alternative Education
Dominic Cranfield’s experience pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Alternative Education while teaching overseas provides valuable insights into the benefits and impact of this innovative educational path.
Reflecting on his journey, Dominic shares how this programme broadened his understanding of teaching and highlighted the value of alternative education methods.
“Engaging with our readings and coursework, I found that alternative education emphasises innovative approaches rather than traditional schooling,” says Dominic. “This perspective is crucial for creating active, independent, and creative classrooms that truly foster learning.”
His studies focused on critical areas like collaboration, flipped learning, and individualised instruction, which challenge conventional methods and encourage deeper student engagement.
During his interview with an international school, Dominic realised the practical relevance of the principles he had learned. “Nearly all their classroom management and facilitation questions touched on the alternative education principles we studied,” he recalls. This experience demonstrated how well-prepared he was to discuss and implement these approaches, reinforcing the value of his education.
Dominic advocates for starting with alternative education, especially for those looking to build a well-rounded teaching career. “I recommend beginning with alternative education and then moving into a traditional qualification like a PGCE,” he advises. This path, he believes, equips educators with a unique skill set that enhances traditional teaching qualifications.
The BA in Alternative Education, led by Dr. Susan Gredley, who has over 14 years of teaching experience, is designed to educate students about various alternative models and approaches to learning and teaching developed worldwide. These approaches emphasise critical thinking, community engagement, and social change, aligning with the programme’s goals.
The programme requires a minimum commitment of three years full-time, with the option to extend to six years part-time. It offers flexibility in delivery modes, including contact and distance learning. Accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) as a 384-credit learning programme at NQF level 7 and registered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), this programme provides a comprehensive foundation for educators.
For anyone looking to engage students in meaningful ways, the BA in Alternative Education offers a transformative experience, as highlighted by Dominic’s journey and insights.
Read more here: https://cornerstone.ac.za/programmes/bachelor-of-arts-alternative-education/