ABSTRACT
98 This chapter provides an overview of participatory methods that can be used to involve young people in looking at and evaluating their local environment. These methods have proved valuable in a variety of sites in countries and cultures around the world.
The chapter does not contain all possible methods, nor is it an exhaustive treatment of each. It should be used as a starting point and a resource base from which to develop participatory tools that make sense for your site and situation. Examples from the Growing Up in Cities sites are provided to illustrate how basic methods can be modified in response to local issues and needs. The basic methods included are:
• Informal Observations and 'Hanging Out' (PAGE 99 )
• Interviews (PAGE 103 )
• Drawings (PAGE 115 )
• Daily Activity Schedules (PAGE 118 )
• Family and Support Networks (PAGE 121 )
• Role-Play, Drama and Puppetry (PAGE 124 )
• Guided Tours (PAGE 127 )
• Photographs by Young People (PAGE 130 )
• Behaviour Mapping (PAGE 134 )
• Questionnaires and Surveys (PAGE 139 )
• Focus Groups and Small-Group Discussions (PAGE 147 )
• Workshops and Community Events (PAGE 154 )
Each method is written and formatted as a self-contained description. This results in some redundancy if you are reading the methods in sequence. However, it makes it possible to photocopy and distribute the individual method descriptions for training sessions and group discussions.
The following topics are included in each method: 'Purpose', 'Time required', 'Materials needed', 'Maximizing young people's participation' and 'Process guide'. This information, along with that in Chapter 4 (Designing the Process), can be used to determine the sequence of methods that is appropriate for your site.
