International Adult Learners Week
in Europe

Network of Learning festivals

Guidelines to Reach Out to and Involve Learners in Consultation

These guidelines were discussed and generated by the international learner participants in the International Adult Learners’ Forum in October 2004, after being introduced by Winifred Hignell, the IntALWinE learner representative from England/Ireland. The guidelines provided the basis to further develop the concluding “Ten Tips to Professionals for Involving Adult Learners”, included as part of the policy recommendations on this website.

If you would like to involve learners in consultation processes, you should follow these general set of guidelines:

• Treat adult learners with respect or as equals.
• Be aware of learners’ needs and expectations.
• Acknowledge learners' expertise.
• Organize meetings at a time and place that learners can attend.
• Make potential learners aware of the benefits of joining a consultation.
• Make them also aware of possible pitfalls and necessary commitments.
• Ensure learner support (especially in the early period).
• Ensure that potential learners receive all relevant information in advance.
• Reimburse learners for expenses and time.
• Offer training in appropriate skills.
• Give publicity to the event to encourage participation.
• Invite more than one participant from one area/target group.

In a consultation/meeting context:

• Carefully prepare practical things (like transport, time, etc.).
• Give enough information before the events.
• Identify issues clearly - have a focus.
• Give professional support - admin, terminology, stationary.
• Treat everyone as an individual AND make them feel as a member of a team.
• Listen to learners and share information.
• Use visuals - pictures etc to be inclusive.
• Make sure that different learning areas are covered.
• Take care to display hospitality.
• Organize a concluding party or learners festival to celebrate.
• Give feedback.