Principles and Practice of Informal Education

Linda Deer is a freelance writer/editor/lecturer/consultant.Mary Wolfe is full time tutor at YMCA George Williams College, London

This new and exciting text is aimed at informal educators involved in youth work, community work and 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. The book looks at the role of an educator in informal education and youth work settings. Comprehensive and analytical, it looks at social, cultural and political contexts of education. The authors discuss the practical side of teaching from the setting, programme planning and communication to activity-based work, one-to-one case work, formal group work and managing the work load. Finally the book analyses developing professional practice, the use of line management and supervision, and evaluation of work.

Section One: Exploring Education 1. On Being and Educator 2. What is Informal Education 3. First Lessons: Historical Perspectives on Informal Education Section Two: Working With 4. Working with People as an Informal Educator 5. Professional Values in Informal Education Work 6. Confidentiality and Professional Practice 7. Learning from Experience 8. Relationships and Learning 9. Working with Networks and Organisations in the Community Section Three: Elemants of Practice 10. Conversation 11. Place, Space and Informal Education 12. Programme Planning 13. Activities 14. One-to-one Case Work Section Four: Developing Professional Practice 16. Managing Work 17. 'We Become Experts': Working with Basic Education Students as Researchers 18. Using Line Management for Professioanl Development 19. Using Supervision for Professioanl Development 20. Evaluation of the Work