Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 1:AN EDUCATOR’S GUIDEEncourageactiveparticipationAdults learn best when they are actively involved in the learning processand when they are encouraged to discuss their own experiences in thecourse. This type of learning is generally called “participatory” or“student-centred learning”. Advantages of this approach include: the learning process starts from and builds upon the experience ofcourse participants course participants learn through co-operative group activity anddiscussion course participants are given an opportunity to think out issues forthemselves and develop a range of skillsStudent-centred learning asks the participants to give information as wellas receive it. In this way, participants are encouraged to learn from oneanother based upon their own experiences as workers. After all, it is theparticipants who know best about the health, safety and environmentalproblems in their own workplaces. This knowledge makes the participantsan excellent source of ideas on ways to improve working conditions. Usingthe experiences of participants helps them to learn and retain importantinformation.Checklist for educators – Encouraging participation Give the participants regular opportunities to discuss their ideas for improvingthe health, safety and environmental conditions in their own workplaces Recognise the important contributions participants can make, based upon theirpersonal experiences and accept that they bring valuable information with them Use a lecture format of teaching as little as possible. Divide the content of theManuals into logical sections and sub-sections, creating activities andstimulating discussions as a way for participants to learn Text is provided in the Manuals for participants to reflect upon following acourse activity Be democratic in your tutoring practice and be willing to give up some control ofa session to allow participants to lead Facilitate and guide participants through the learning process by providingdirection and structure Encourage the use of songs, dance and drama Use practical but structured field visits to supplement classroom activity Keep participants focused on the different tasks of the course Help participants to learn from one another Try to make sure that no one dominates the sessions Encourage quiet participants to speak up and participate in all sessions13 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers