Principles and Practice of Informal Education: Learning Through Life (Electronic book text)

This text is aimed at informal educators involved in youth work, community work, adult education and health promotion. The contributors explore the principles and practice of informal education and focus, in particular, on the notion of "working with" which is central to practice in this sector. The book argues for an approach which is relevant to a number of professional fields and which focuses on a way of working rather than upon a specific target group. Section one looks at the role of an educator and in particular in informal education and youth work settings. Section two studies what is meant by the term "working with" and what this involves. It looks at social, cultural and political contexts of education. Section three looks at the practical side of teaching, including the setting, programme planning, communication, activity-based work, one-to-one case work, formal group work, and managing the work load. Finally section four analyzes developing professional practice. Contributors discuss recording professional practice, the use of line management and supervision, and evaluation of work.