A Portfolio of 3000 words (or equivalent)

The portfolio must contain:

1. Evidence of participation in the course
2. Evidence of In-class Presentation
3. Successfully completed Get Talking learning journal/ workbook including evidence of practice
4. A 2000 word essay

The portfolio will require individual reflection on the experience of learning about, delivering training to a team, and managing participatory approaches to community development. The portfolio will also demonstrate critical analysis of reading and reflection on practical work related to community participation and consultation. The portfolio will assess learning outcomes 1-4.

The module involves a multifaceted approach to learning. 30 hours will be spent in class. There will be 120 hours of independent study. This independent study time will be used for:
practical work in relation to in-class learning,
reading focussed on text and other materials relevant to the conceptual and practical aspects of the module and the assessment
production of the portfolio for assessment.

This module will introduce students to the concept of participation, learning and action (PLA) and its applications in relation to community consultation. It will also train students in how to design a creative community consultation and manage a team to deliver the project. The module will begin with an investigation of the context of the commissioning and management of participatory approaches to involving local people in decision-making. The module will then explore a variety of approaches to creative community consultation. The module will address the skills needed for students to be able to manage a team to use creative approaches to community consultation. Students will spend the final session discussing the strategic context for participatory community consultation considering the issues they need to be aware of and deal with as managers and commissioners. Throughout the course students will be expected to reflect critically on their own practice.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Library - where you will find relevant textbooks and journals
Community group for practical work - where you will practice the techniques learned in class
Computer - where you will find relevant internet websites
Flip charts, pens, and post-it notes - which you will need for practical techniques

Oxfam 'Have you been PA'd? Using participatory appraisal to shape local services' Oxfam: UK Poverty Programme
PDF version available on www.oxfam.org/ukpp
Chambers, R. (2002) Participatory Workshops, Earthscan ISBN 185383 863 2
Pretty, J. et all, (1995) Participatory Learning and Action, IIED ISBN 1 899825 00 2