Elements of the Community Education Model
Outreach work
Extensive personal outreach to those in the community who might benefit from participation and social engagement with others and who may have bad experiences in the past of education is a core element of community education. Non-threatening approaches are used to build trust over a period of time before the learner will engage in a learning activity.
Consultation
The group identifies the issues or content to be explored and in conjunction with a facilitator or tutor can then develop a programme based on identified needs. Development with rather than delivery is the process used.
Pre-development
Non threatening and generally non academic activities are run initially to encourage learners to engage. These activities build confidence and help learners to enjoy learning.
The Group
The main stay of community education is the group - the group is the support and the learning environment. Knowledge and experience is shared within the group process. This does not happen immediately but is developed and nurtured over time by a group leader /facilitator. Relationships are formed and trust is built to allow for experiences to be voiced. Through the group essential skills of social interaction, teamwork and communications are developed. Subject expertise is given but through the group process the learning is shared. This model is rooted in a process of active participation and through consultation between tutors/facilitators and learners, trust, mutual respect and relationship is built up thus creating an empowering learning environment.
Flexible Provision
Time of courses, location of centre and programme content is flexible and learner centred.
Reflective Practice
Groups evaluate their activities with the tutors and learners and are open to change when needed. This ensures the development of best practice.
Supports
Many groups provide supports such as childcare, mentoring and encouragement to their learners as part of an holistic approach to community education.
