support pages for Heather Smith and Mark K. Smith's book: the art of helping others
Communities of practice.
The idea that learning involves a deepening process of participation
in a community of practice has gained significant ground in recent
years. Communities of practice have also become an important focus
within organizational development. In this article we outline the
theory and practice of such communities, and
examine
some of issues and questions for informal
educators and those
concerned with lifelong learning and helping.
Parker J. Palmer: community, knowing and spirituality. Parker J. Palmer's explorations of education as a spiritual journey and of the inner lives of educators have been deeply influential. We explore his teachings and contribution.
Dialogue and conversation. 'Dialogue', Freire says, 'is the encounter between men, mediated by the world, in order to name the world'. Here we explore this idea - and its roots.
Reflection. What constitutes reflection - and what significance does it have for educators (and helpers)?
Praxis. An introduction to the idea plus an annotated booklist.
Role model education. In this article Daniel Rose examines the role and potential of the educator as a role-model within both formal and informal education.
Palmer, Parker J. (1998) The Courage to Teach.
Exploring the inner landscape of a teacher’s life,
Egan, Gerard (2006)
The Skilled Helper: A Problem-management and
Stone,
