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What is it?
The Edge Learner Forum is a unique project that enables young people to get actively involved in Edge's campaign as partners and advisors. Through the Learner Forum, Edge empowers all kinds of young learners to play a role in their campaign and make a real difference to the way learning happens. The Learner Forum network currently involves young people in eight different areas of the country – Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Newcastle, East Sussex, Doncaster, Birmingham, London and the South East and Nottingham.
Current Learner Forum projects include a film about the new diploma qualifications, developed and created by Forum members and commissioned by the Department for Children Schools and Families. It will be shown in every school in the country in June 2008. Another project that Forum members are especially proud of is the first ever youth-led school inspection – in April 2008, learners will inspect South Camden Community School in London.
How does it work?
The Learner Forum groups meet on a regular basis to take part in debates and generate new thinking to contribute to Edge's campaign. The Learner Forum members also provide advice to other organisations developing great practical learning projects, participate in education conferences and produce articles for the education media. By talking to people who work closely with learners, Edge recruits young people to the Learner Forum who are both interested in contributing to the campaign and are likely to benefit from the experience of being involved.
What makes this an Edge-friendly activity?
The young people in the Learner Forum are actively involved in advancing Edge's mission. Their views help Edge and other organisations develop excellent practical learning projects which put the learner first. They act as judges on the panels of Edge's successful annual employer awards. They talk to educational practitioners about how more great practical learning can be encouraged within institutions. They produce stories about the value of practical learning for the media.
The Learner Forum itself is a great example of the power of learning by doing, because it takes a hands-on approach to involving young learners in Edge's campaign. The Learner Forum uses innovative techniques such as design, role play and performance to understand the views of young learners. By taking part, young people in the Learner Forum gain a better understanding of business, policy and educational debates in ways that are both practical and stimulating.
Who else is involved?
The organisations which deliver the Edge Learner Forum are: SHM in London and the South East; Adam Wellings Consultancy in Cumbria and Newcastle; Nottingham City Children’s Services; Action Rural Sussex; CSC in Doncaster; First Class Youth in Birmingham and Young People First in North Yorkshire. A range of other organisations have worked in partnership with the Learner Forum to develop new initiatives, including the LSC North Yorkshire, the Young Foundation, TES Online, the Institute of Education, the Department for Children Schools and Families, the Skills Commission, Learning City York and the Open University.
How can I find out more?
To find out more about what the Edge Learner Forum is up to, or if you are interested in getting advice from the Learner Forum, email the programme manager, Rose Dowling, at rose@shm-ltd.co.uk.
How can I get involved?
There are limited places available in our three Learner Forum groups. If you are interested in becoming a Learner Forum member and you live near to Cumbria, North Yorkshire or London & South East, please contact Rose Dowling at rose@shm-ltd.co.uk.
