Learning History the Co- operative Way. History and citizenship teaching in the early twentieth century Keith Vernon University of Central Lancashire

Self-education / mutual instruction Principle of working-class self-education Limited opportunities Mistrust of authorities (and vice versa!) Still needed at start C20? Expansion of state education

Co-operation and self-education To what extent did co-operative movement educate itself? What means / models did it draw on? Focus on first decades C20 Formal classes

Co-operative education and the state Late C19 accommodation? No need for elementary education Public libraries Technical education too expensive

The need for self-education Soured relationships after 1902 Education Act Removal of School Boards State support for Voluntary schools Restrictions on adult evening classes Similar after 1918 Limitations of 1918 Education Act Suspicion of state encroachments on co-operation

Mutual Instruction Education for co-operation Classes in co-operative history and principles Advice to teachers Our Story Taught by members List teachers

Mutual Instruction Co-operative Bookkeeping Taught within stores – by managers Employer education

Distance Learning Education Department / Co-op College Educational Programme Citizenship studies / vocational classes Syllabuses, examinations Correspondence courses Weekend classes

Distance Learning University Extension; WEA Printed syllabus Recommended reading Examinations

Itinerant Lecturers Specialist vocational classes Regional / itinerant lecturers Taken into societies / relationships with LEAs

Education for Co-operation Need to retain education in-house Fluctuated Primarily co-operative principles and practice Variety methods / models to draw on Mutual instruction WEA Itinerant lecturers

Education for Co-operation How effective was it? Complaints of limited uptake but large numbers did Principles and practices of co-operation were maintained, and flourished