Working with People module (CO10009)

Everything you do as a community educator shapes the quality of the relationships you forge with people.

Your relationships may be with groups or individuals. They may be with people of all different ages and backgrounds, here by choice or obliged to be here.

This rich diversity of interactions enriches your profession. In this module, you will explore ways that you can strengthen these relationships.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn how to maintain professional relationships with people in a Community Education setting
• develop critical knowledge and understanding of group dynamics. You will also learn about the different roles in situations that are relevant to Community Education
• learn theories. These will enable you to create a values-led and inclusive environment for Community Education

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• show a theoretical understanding of maintaining relationships with people within a Community Education setting
• show a theoretical understanding of group dynamics and group processes that are relevant to Community Education practice
• undertake a theoretical discussion around the ways in which equality and recognition of difference are addressed in Community Education practice

Assignments / assessment

• 2,000 word essay (100%)
  • set in week 1
  • due in week 12

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• Lectures (one 2 hour session per week for one semester)
• Workshops (three one-hour sessions)

Typically, the programme of sessions looks like this:

1. Humanistic and Person-Centred Approaches
2. Professional Principles and Issues: Language, Boundaries, Confidentiality, and Disclosure
3. Identifying Needs and Utilising Strengths-Based Approaches
4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
5. Introduction to Group Work
6. Group Dynamics and Processes
7. Power in Groups and Group work
8. Dealing with Conflict in Community Settings
9. Transactional Analysis
10. Introduction to Diverse Approaches: Social Pedagogy, Professional Love, Restorative Practice, etc.
11. Creativity: Using games in work with groups and individuals