ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the issues which impact on learning in terms of the curriculum, including hidden and formally assessed elements, as well as the context in which public health exists and is practised, including the settings, the frameworks and values which underpin this area of work. It also includes consideration of the ways in which individuals learn and how this impacts upon practice and an understanding of some of the frameworks and guidelines through which public health work may be recognised, regulated and validated. One could argue that some of the learning which takes place around public health work is an understanding of the tensions between policy and practice, and the conflicts of interests which may exist between areas. The chapter considers the importance of understanding how people learn, not only so that learners are aware of their learning, but also so that we understand that whether consciously or not we are all teachers and others are learning from us.
