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Informal Learning in Youth Work
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Informal Learning in Youth Work



May 2008 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Informal Learning in Youth Work offers fresh perspectives on all aspects of informal education in the youth work setting. Designed to develop the reader's knowledge and skills, this comprehensive textbook explores key issues such as communication, power relations, ethics, gender exclusion, sexuality, race discrimination and social class. The author places particular emphasis on conversation as a key means of promoting informal learning and engaging effectively with young people.

Other key features include:

" case studies that illustrate the application of theory to `real-life' practice

" an emphasis on critical reflection, including reflective questions

" an easily accessible style, with key terms and tips for further reading

" a four-part structure guiding the reader through different stages of conversations and relationships in informal education.

Informal Learning in Youth Work provides a unique combination of theoretical analysis and practice tips. Satisfying training and course requirements in the area, it will be essential reading for all students on youth and community work courses, as well as those in allied fields such as education and social work. It will also be a valuable reference for practitioners working with young people on a daily basis.

 
How to Use this Book
 
Informal Learning and Informal Education
 
PART ONE: WHOSE AGENDA?
 
Identity, Identity Politics and Rights
 
Social Inclusion and Exclusion
Challenging the `NEET` discourse

 
 
Personal Agendas
Reflective Practice in the Context of Diversity

 
 
PART TWO: GETTING TO KNOW YOUNG PEOPLE
 
Understanding Young People
 
Boundaries in Practice
 
`It's Boring'... How Do Youth Workers Engage?
 
PART THREE : GETTING DEEPER
 
Safe Space and Identity-Based Groupwork
 
The Voluntary Relationship
Competence, Negotiation and Accompaniment

 
 
Friendship and Professionalism
 
Animation, Informal Education and Creativity
 
PART FOUR: UNFINISHED CONVERSATIONS
 
Silence, Bullying and Despair
Youth Work Responses

 
 
Silence, Spirit and Solidarity
Resources for Practice

 
 
Youth Work, Democracy and Participation
 
Community Cohesion and Transversal Politics

Provides a sound concept of informal learning within the context of youth work. This contributes to the debate of how informal learning can contribute to intercultural education.

Ms Gillian Wilde
Youth & Community Studies, Wrexham Glyndwr University
September 28, 2020

The text promotes an understanding of the nature and impact of youth work. This process during the undergraduate learning initiates an understanding of self in relation to the role and scope of youth work for the individual. Informal learning is established within a range of context in youth work that supports the developmental thinking in terms of role for the future practitioner.

Relationships, democracy and participation remain key themes in the text and the connection between them is key to understanding roles, dynamic and versatility of youth work as a determinate of professional practice.

Mr Steve Walker
Youth & Comm Dev Studies (Lancaster), University of Cumbria
September 7, 2017

A useful text that is broken in to key sections and chapters that allow the reader to 'dip in' to their chosen interest area in any particular order. Offers an interesting insight in to the concept of informal learning and its relation with youth work. The key terms and further reading at the end of each chapter are useful in clarifying terms and seeking related knowledge.

Mr Ian Jones
Health, Community & Social Care, Bradford College
July 29, 2016

A very informative and up to date text from a renowned writer in the field.

Ms Shirley Donegan
Department of Humanities, Dundalk Institute of Technology
June 25, 2015

The exploration of informal education and development of youth and community work is essential for students on professional qualifying courses. This text explores key, critical debates for youth and community practitioners, including, fundamentally in whose agenda are we working.

This book traces the importance and often turbulent development of relationships with young people and the practice and skills of informal education in enabling young people to explore their lives and the world around them.

The book is easy to read and structured to encourage reflection and further debate through discussion points and case studies. Learning is further supported throughout the book by the review of key terms and links to additional reading provided at the end of each chapter.

Miss Tracy Ramsey
Social Work Department, Liverpool Hope University
May 13, 2014

Both myself and students loved this book. It is highly influential in adopting key beliefs in the benifeits in embedding informal learning into youth work practice. Students found the text easy to use and provided a comprehensive insight into informal learning in a youth work context.

Mrs Laura Cochrane
Health and Care, Middlesbrough College
February 3, 2014

A recommended text that will assist our students complete their study.

This text will help devolop the students knowledge and skills and provide them with a thorough understanding of informal learning in youth work.

Mr Grant Poiner
School of Social Justice and Inclusion, University of Wales, Trinity St David
December 2, 2013

Very good, highlights the key issues shaping delivery within the sector. Invaluable to students and researchers of informal education

Mr Rik Kennedy
Department of Education Studies, Bishop Grosseteste College
January 31, 2012

Excellent book, very useful for Community and Youth Work FdSc.

Ms Kate Barden
Vocational Education , Penwith College
December 17, 2011

Very good book explaining the relevance of informal education and learning. Key text for all thinking of entering youth work or already active in the field. Relevant and thought provoking.

Dr Liesl Conradie
Social Science , University of Bedfordshire
December 9, 2011

Sample Materials & Chapters

Introduction PDF


For instructors

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Paperback
ISBN: 9781412946193
£40.99

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ISBN: 9781412946186
£125.00

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