Resources

This paper describes the evolution of a participatory approach to innovation development and extension within the ConTill project and examines the strategy adopted by the project to scale-up the successful pilot of this approach, through institutionalisation in the agricultural extension department (AGRITEX).
Awareness and commitment to change were achieved through the development of 'learning cases,' the exposure of extension department officers to them, informal networking and joint lobbying. The position of the project as an 'outsider' also enabled the project freedom to interact with all hierarchy levels within AGRITEX, provoking action through acting as an informant.
Once the extension department was convinced of the need for change a means for putting the participatory extension approaches into practice was sought. Operationalisation of participatory approaches was recognised to involve far more than training staff in participatory methods, since not only did the participatory approaches challenge the existing organisational culture but also other factors, such as control-oriented rather than performance - oriented management were not conducive to its adoption. In response to this an organisational development programme was initiated which is outlined in the paper.

The proceedings of a workshop focussing on three topics: rigour and integrity in PRA work, PRA training quality and funding and related pressures for compromises.
Annex 2 provides a case study of the community consultation methodology used by the Groundwork Trust in the community of Gellidog. Annex 3 outlines the Teenage Sexual Health Research Project being carried out in Wester Hailes using a participatory methodology. Finally there is an updated list of the PA network in Scotland.

A draft copy of a manual which seeks to address some of the factors causing low attendance, performance and participation of girls at school, by providing a means by which those involved in education can analyse interactions in the classroom, examine how instruction is differentiated by gender and identify gender-bounded attitudes and perceptions that influence learning , opportunities and achievement.
The first part of the manual describes techniques which can be used by teachers and inspectors to observe what takes place in the classroom as a basis for discussion and the second part concerns how Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) activities can build on this.

A study examining a participatory training workshop, subsequent activities and final evaluation with volunteers working for INZET, an NGO which aims to maximise the possibilities for sustainable development in the South through influencing government policy.
The aims of the training were to restimulate the enthusiasm of volunteers, bring them and their work closer to the INZET activities and equip them with the additional skills necessary for their promotional work. The study describes and reflects on the process and examines the effectiveness of the participatory training in achieving its aims.