Men’s Sheds

The Northern Hub and ACE Aotearoa joined together recently to fund a Men’s Sheds seminar in Auckland that attracted 37 people from Men’s Sheds and other community and educational organisations from as far away as New Plymouth and Hamilton. The purpose of the event was to listen to Professor Barry Golding, senior lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Ballarat, Australia. Professor Golding shared the findings of his recent adult education research, which emphasised the learning experienced by men through their participation in community organisations.

The research found that most men express a keen desire to learn by being actively involved in an activity rather than passively learning “about” something. Men particularly value learning that not only allows them to stay fit, healthy and safe, but also to take on responsible positions in community organisations, including speaking skills and interpersonal communication. Men’s preferences were for learning through practical, hands-on experiences, by doing activities, wherever possible, in outdoor settings. Read Barry’s report: Men’s learning through ACE and community involvement in small rural towns.