Community Learning Development Resource 101 – 06

WIDENING PARTICIPATION –

PABLO FOSTER’S PRINCIPLES OF ENGAGEMENT

 

SUMMARY

Another look at how best to connect with people in priority neighbourhoods and communities, and encourage them to connect with you in community learning and capacity building work.

 

Principle of engagement	Practice guide – ideas about how to do this!
Reach them when they don’t feel threatened
Relate to them through their interests and concerns
Build confidence by creating supportive groups
Move into new knowledge and skills after raising their awareness of their existing knowledge, skills and experience
Open up choices and challenges on the basis of experience of success and satisfaction
Support them to move on not just academically but in the range of roles they are prepared to take on – as parents, as residents, as school supports, as workers etc.
Help them to assess their educational and life experiences, needs and goals in defining pathway options

 

PROMPTS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

 

• Are these principles relevant within your work with people?

• What ideas would you have in your practice guide in order to address the Principles of Engagement?

• In relation to your work and experience – what practical suggestions are there for:

• Reaching them when they don’t feel threatened?

• Creating supportive groups?