Popular education – learner-centered education for change – is increasingly being used in occupational health training to promote activism around workplace safety and health issues. It appeals to those who want to use a participatory and more egalitarian approach in their work, as well as those who are interested in going beyond the technical aspects of workers’ health and safety to making concrete improvements.
In this session, presenters will describe the use of popular education in four different programs. They will demonstrate how popular education methods are used in specific sectors (e.g. the healthcare sector, meatpacking and poultry industries) and to address a variety of issues (eg. health and safety in the global economy, ergonomics). Presenters will also discuss how they use popular education in different settings (e.g. with union and labor-management health and safety committees, to develop conferences, and in vocational education programs). Each presenter will analyze the challenges and successes in moving people to take action in specific programs.
The session will conclude with a participatory discussion about how to promote the use of popular education in occupational health work.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe at least two popular education methods 2. List the criteria for a successful popular education program 3. Analyze obstacles to promoting activism among workers
Keywords: Health Education, Occupational Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.