1. “I’m suddenly somebody!”

2. 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

3. Background to the Project

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. Denman College

8. 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’

9. 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

10. Who are the Women?

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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!”

14. 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!”

15. 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!”

16. Former secretaries; teachers and civil servants
The Executive Committee

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

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

19. Informal learning: For enjoyment and friendship!

20. 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

21. 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

22. 5 key areas A safe environment Developing confidence Networking
Taking control of learning
Recognising that learning has taken place

23. 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

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

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

26. Presenting reports to members

27. Passing on traditional skills

28. Judging: Traditional WI skills

29. Recognition of learning!

30. Learning through campaigning

31. 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

32. Inspirational Speakers!

33. Inspirational speakers?

34. Jam, Jerusalem and Calendar Girls