Non-formal Education books

The result of collaboration between students and researchers across Europe as part of an Erasmus+ funded project, this book sheds light on power structures and exclusion processes in education from the perspectives of young people.   Bridging practical, empirical and theoretical questions, and focusing on young people’s stories in and outside of school, this edited collection delves into the narratives of young respondents that have experienced severe challenges in their school life. Written in three parts, the authors introduce the basic concepts surrounding social inclusion and equality, present chapters written and co-written with students, and consider the implications and models for practice, both in schools, youth work and higher education.  Including a final chapter written by guest author Distinguished Professor Michelle Fine, who reflects on the project, and the potentials for future education, youth work and research, this book invites readers to better understand marginalization and how to build an inclusive educational future.

Out-of-school learning spans varied formal and informal contexts and is hugely important for the lives of children. The need for time, flexibility, and agility in research within this field is highlighted throughout this multi-disciplinary edited volume, as each author reflects on how to make sense of the unknown and varied contexts in which out-of-school learning takes place. A range of different case studies discuss research methods used, challenges faced, and ways challenges were overcome in relation to out-of-school learning are presented, followed by a series of critical reflections. The case studies include a range of research foci and methods, from large-scale quantitative secondary data analysis, through interviews and workshops, to ethnographic and participatory methods. A series of shorter reflections drawing on all case studies consider the negotiation of the researcher role, building relationships, the ways knowledge is constructed, the role of place and power, keeping hold of messiness and complexity, ethical practice; and ‘slow research’. The principles outlined in this volume are relevant for all research on learning, whenever and wherever it takes place – whether in school or out-of-school.