Consider…

How can adult educators new to the workplace be expected to demonstrate all the aspects of good practice?

As with the other elements in good practice, each person’s experience, knowledge, skills and abilities situate them in relation to good practice. As educators, we have a sense of our entry point and realize that experience and professional development can enhance the effectiveness of our work. In certain jurisdictions, educators new to the field can work with mentors in conjunction with formal professional development programs. Or, the staff development combines a type of practicum in a workplace supported by classroom study and mentorship. (9) A conscious and thoughtful approach to the complexities of the workplace is the first step on the path of good practice.

Workplace Committee or Planning Team

Most good practice guidelines and experienced educators advocate for a strong role for the workplace committee. Members of the committee are drawn from all the on-site partner groups: workers, staff, supervisors, managers, union representatives and educator/facilitator. Committees are referred to by a variety of names: steering committee or steering group, planning team or planning group, coordinating committee or training committee. They are always multi-level and as representative of the make up of the workforce as possible. The aim is to have people representing different perspectives working together with equal voices.

Joint committee defines the group as consisting of both union and management. The CLC (2000) sets out terms of reference for joint committees establishing equality in the partnership, equal number of representatives from the union and management at the table, and a participatory decision-making process among others.