What are some of the best practices and resources for developing grassroots curricula and materials?

1 Popular education and adult learning

Popular education is a pedagogical approach that emphasizes the collective and participatory learning of people who are oppressed or marginalized by dominant systems. It aims to raise critical awareness, foster dialogue, and build solidarity among learners, as well as to generate knowledge and skills that can be applied to social transformation. Adult learning is a field of study that recognizes the unique characteristics and motivations of adult learners, such as their prior knowledge, life experiences, self-direction, and relevance. Both popular education and adult learning can inform the design and delivery of grassroots curricula and materials that are relevant, engaging, and empowering for your audience.

2 Needs assessment and participatory research

Before developing any curricula or materials, you need to understand the needs, interests, and goals of your intended learners. A needs assessment is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to identify the gaps and opportunities for learning. You can use various methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, or document analysis, to gather information from your learners, stakeholders, and context. Participatory research is a collaborative approach that involves your learners as co-researchers and co-creators of knowledge. You can use participatory methods, such as community mapping, storytelling, photovoice, or action research, to engage your learners in identifying and exploring issues that affect them and their community.

3 Curriculum design and learning objectives

Once you have a clear understanding of your learners' needs, you can start designing your curriculum. A curriculum is a plan that outlines the purpose, content, structure, methods, and evaluation of your learning program. You can use various frameworks, such as backward design, experiential learning cycle, or problem-based learning, to guide your curriculum design. A key element of your curriculum is your learning objectives, which are specific and measurable statements of what your learners will be able to do or know by the end of your program. You can use the SMART criteria (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) to write your learning objectives.

4 Content selection and adaptation

The content of your curricula and materials should be relevant, accurate, and accessible for your learners. You can select content from various sources, such as academic literature, media reports, organizational documents, or personal testimonies, depending on your topic and purpose. You can also adapt content from existing curricula or materials that are aligned with your goals and audience, such as those developed by other grassroots organizations or educators. However, you should always acknowledge the original sources and respect the copyrights and intellectual property rights of the authors.

5 Methods and materials development

The methods and materials you use to deliver your curricula should be engaging, interactive, and diverse for your learners. You can use various methods, such as lectures, discussions, games, simulations, role plays, or case studies, to facilitate learning. You can also use various materials, such as handouts, slides, videos, podcasts, or posters, to support learning. However, you should always consider the availability and appropriateness of the resources and technology for your learners and context. You should also ensure that your methods and materials are culturally responsive and inclusive of the diversity and perspectives of your learners.

6 Evaluation and feedback

The evaluation and feedback of your curricula and materials are essential for measuring the effectiveness and impact of your learning program. You can use various types of evaluation, such as formative, summative, or impact evaluation, to assess the quality and outcomes of your program. You can also use various tools, such as quizzes, tests, portfolios, or surveys, to collect data from your learners, facilitators, or stakeholders. You should also solicit and provide feedback to your learners and facilitators throughout the program to improve the learning process and outcomes. You should use the evaluation and feedback data to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and to make adjustments and improvements to your curricula and materials.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?