Talking it Through: A Practitioners Guide to Consulting Learners in Adult and Community Learning

This guide will inspire and enthuse people who are committed to consulting adults and communities about learning provision in their area. The text states the importance of consultation with all adults and highlights issues and challenges of working with particular groups such as young adults, members of minority ethnic communities and people with learning difficulties. Policy blends with theory to give the reader a broad context for consultation and provide examples of good practice. The guide is easily accessible with a list of Talking Points at the end of each section highlighting issues and challenges for consideration. Activities and exercises can be lifted for your use and there are a number of contact details of useful organisations and projects.

Table of Contents:
Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1 Why consult learners/citizens? The social context The policy context The educational context A multi-layered approach Chapter 2 Some issues and challenges Issues for providers and senior managers Issues for practitioners and frontline workers Issues for citizens and learners Bill of Rights for the Adult Learner Chapter 3 Getting the basics right Back to basics Identifying the purpose Choosing the right people Know who you are talking to The focus of consultation Choose a method fit for purpose Shifting the balance of power Keeping people informed Putting the principles into practice Chapter 4 Approaches in practice Survey of learners' views Interviews Focus groups Learners' and neighbourhood forums Partnerships A Charter for Learning Citizens' Forums Citizens' Juries Listening campaigns Participatory appraisals Visioning exercises Using community arts and drama Creative meetings for adults and young people Learners/residents as researchers and promoters Learner representatives Chapter 5 Training The Disability Discrimination Act Part 4 Cultural awareness Legislation Language and jargon Older people and consultation Research skills Communication and Key Skills Committee and meeting skills Ideas for adults and young people Chapter 6 Time for reflection Evaluation Internal monitoring External evaluation What to do with the findings A note from the contributors References Further reading Contacts