Fostering Participation: Why and How?
The principle of Inclusion aims to implement the ideal of democracy: all human beings are equal and have the same right to exercise their rights. This unit centres on the implementation of Inclusion in educational settings, fostering reflection on its challenges and chances as well as presenting a didactic method which can be successfully used in different contexts.
Warm up
“Inclusion” is a word which has been introduced into the international discourse by UNESCO some years ago.
What do you know about this concept and the reason why it has been introduced?
Share your knowledge and/or assumptions with your buddy.
Learn
Do you already know the dialogic approach to education?
Click here to read:
Dive in 1
Step 1
Think of your past experiences in a team or a group:
when did you enjoy participating actively in a group situation? Share your memories with your buddy and do some brainstorming together about the factors which foster participation, starting from your own experience as a participant. Write them down.
When you are done…
Step 2
Click here and look at this model and compare it with your memories and your list. Do they match?
Step 3
When you have discussed this question, please think of the different children, teenagers and/or young adults you work with. How comfortable do each of them feel in relation to the different points?
Dive in 2
Step 1
Click here and look together at this image.
How do you think stereotypes and prejudices influence (usually unconsciously) the quantity and quality of participation of the different members of your group? How do they influence the way
- you foster/hinder the participation of each of them?
- they foster participation of some instead of others or instead of their own?
- they engage?
Write down notes for all three points. You have 10 minutes.
Step 2
When you are done, decide what points you would like to share with your buddy. Share them.
Step 3
Choose one of the challenges you have recognized and think of one or more strategies you could apply in your respective contexts.
As soon as you have a chance, try it/them out!
Transfer 1
In the framework of the international European project SHARMED (SHARed MEmories and Dialogues) a method has been tested which you can implement in very different kinds of contexts in order to reach a variety of goals.
Click here to know the method.
Reflect
Attitude is as always the key to success. A positive attitude towards the diversity of your group of young people is a prerequisite for the implementation of the strategies you have developed.
If you went through the unit, reflected about your prejudices and stereotypes, about the relationships and dynamics among the young people you work with, developed and tested some strategies for making everyone feel at ease, taking their rights and dignity seriously, you certainly have the right attitude!
But the way is challenging. What will help you to stay on track and keep on empowering every child, every adolescent, every young adult whose way will cross yours?
What do you want to promise to yourself and not forget?