“I’m suddenly somebody!”

Pedagogies of Practice: Researching informal learning Birkbeck Institute for Lifelong Learning Thursday 27 April 2006 “I’m suddenly somebody!” – Informal learning and the Women’s Institutes Jan Etienne and Sue Jackson

Background to the Project

National Federation of Women’s Institutes The National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) is the largest organisation for women in the UK with 215,000 members in England, Wales and the Islands.  

Mission The WI exists to educate women to enable them to provide an effective role in the community, to expand their horizons and to develop and pass on important skills.

The WI encourages and enables women to: enhance their lives and play their part in the community through education improve their lives and the lives of those around them lead fulfilling lives, be of influence in the community, and influence policy makers provide a friendly atmosphere where women can be inspired and enlightened

Denman College

Learning with the WI enables: ‘to be part of my community’ ‘have a wider knowledge about my community’ ‘find getting on with others easier’ ‘gain new opportunities’ ‘be involved in community work’ ‘lead and share experiences’

The ESRC project aims to explore: the impact on and for lifelong learning in constructions of identities (older) women’s engagement as active citizens the relationship between civic engagement and lifelong learning women’s lifelong learning in and through family lives, networks and voluntary work

Who are the Women?

Women surveyed in 5 Case Study Federations Essex, the largest (248 Institutes): 10 institutes selected for sample study North Yorkshire West (101 institutes): 5 institutes selected Middlesex, one of the smallest Federations (33 institutes): 2 institutes selected West Midlands (45 Institutes): 3 selected Glamorgan (95 institutes): 5 selected

Fieldwork: Informal learning explored Questionnaires circulated to all 70 Federation of Women’s Institutes in England and Wales (59 received) Visits commenced in November to 5 Case Study Federations Interviews and Focus Groups held with 71 WI members representing 25 Case Study Institutes Additional Questionnaires (200) circulated to a sample of WI members in the Case Study Federations (151 received)

Staunch Campaigners! “If we don’t care, who will!” ”Perhaps the most important issue is the future of the planet!” ”Campaigns – to set a good example!” ”We are individuals and our aim is to make the world a better place!”

Women who ‘want a new career after retirement” ”The WI gives us a sense of purpose and a voice!” ”The WI is not just jam making or embroidery – although they are still an important part!”

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the WI? ”The joy of belonging to a huge sisterhood who together can achieve so much” ”Being part of a growing circle of intelligent women!” ”Knowing that collectively we can make a difference!” ”Hearing speakers who are passionate about their subject!” ”I enjoy belonging to an organisation with influence!”

Former secretaries; teachers and civil servants The Executive Committee

White, middle class, older White (English or Welsh) Middle class Aged between 60-65

WI Advisers – with a mission to help recruit new members!

Informal learning: For enjoyment and friendship!

The WI brings: opportunities to learn wider knowledge of interesting subjects opportunities to learn new skills sense of belonging new friends and sense of community realising what a group of women can do being myself as a woman appreciation of others increase in confidence awareness of the world around me

Pedagogies and practices of/for (informal) learning to strive for egalitarian relationships to try and make all students feel valued to use the experiences of students as a resource to question the role and authority of the teacher to consider personal experience to consider questions of difference

5 key areas A safe environment Developing confidence Networking Taking control of learning Recognising that learning has taken place

Informal Learning in the WI In the role of Federation Chairman; President; Secretary; ‘Speaker Finder’; Outings Secretary; Treasurer; Public Affairs Officer Voluntary work in the community Visits to places of interest Walking groups Craft / Cookery / Flower arranging groups Gardening groups

Why is learning important to you? ”The satisfaction of keeping my mind active” ”Keeping an active brain and hopefully delaying the onset of dementia!”

The benefits of informal learning “Enjoyment” “Better health and keeping active” “Being seen as a valuable member of society”

Presenting reports to members

Passing on traditional skills

Judging: Traditional WI skills

Recognition of learning!

Learning through campaigning

NFWI Campaigns Supporting fair trade Care of the environment Adult education GM Foods Combating climate change Children’s diet and health Saving rural post offices Trafficking

Inspirational Speakers!

Inspirational speakers?

Jam, Jerusalem and Calendar Girls