Introduction

This website is for teachers, facilitators and other parties interested in participatory health education for adult basic education programs. It is specifically intended as a guide for programs that are funded for participatory health education by Adult and Community Learning Services at The Massachusetts Department of Education 2005-2010. However, it will also be useful for any practitioner who is interested in using participatory approaches and developing student leadership.

Participatory health education is an approach that embraces learner-teacher partnership throughout the learning process and connection to students' real life. Participatory health education promotes empowerment and student leadership throughout the learning process.

Under articles for educators you will see seven topics listed, ranging from the history of literacy and health work to Student Health Teams. We will be adding to the website and seek input from practitioners about topics that are of interest and need to them. One area currently under development is on tools and processes for implementing the participatory approach. Please email ideas for additional areas directly to Marcia Drew Hohn at mdrewhohn@aol.com.

This website was developed under funds from Adult and Community Learning Centers, The Massachusetts Department of Education (MA DOE). Articles were developed by Marcia Drew Hohn, Health Convener for MA DOE, with input from members of The Massachusetts Literacy and Health Network. Technical development is under the direction of Steve Linberg (Silicon Goblin Technologies) and Kristina Curro Boyer (Therefore Design).