Tools
Participatory methods include all techniques that facilitate the democratic participation of group members in the process of reflection and analysis. The methods enable the formal power dynamics that exist within any group of people to be broken down – to de-formalise a situation so that the status and roles of different people do not prevent a free flow of ideas and opinions.
Which methodologies are used by Reflect practitioners? Reflect programmes draw on a wide range of participatory methodologies. The original focus was on visualisation techniques - graphics developed by the practitioners of PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal). These include: maps; calendars; matrices; rivers; trees; and other diagrams. More recently Reflect programmes have begun to use a huge diveristy of other methodologies - often uniquely adapted to the cultural context in which the programmes are developed. There is extensive use of: theatre; role play; song; and sayings and proverbs. Further, participatory video and photography are integrated in a growing number of contexts and work with tape recorders and interactive radio is common. New tools and techniques are constantly being innovated.
How are participatory methods used? The group or facilitator will decide which technique is appropriate at any given time - and will adapt the technique accordingly. The techniques can be used in all contexts at any time. They are used as a way to provide initial structure to a Reflect process, to encourage discussion and so that people can develop their own learning materials, basing their analysis on the systematisation of their own knowledge. This respect for people’s own knowledge and experience is a powerful foundation for the Reflect approach to learning – one which builds on what people know rather than focusing on what they do not know. The idea of using participatory metholodogies, to ensure people’s voices are heard equally, within a structured learning process; and to analyse power dynamics is integral to Reflect.
Risks in using participatory methodologies: The big challenge is in how we use participatory methodologies – not in the fact that we use them. They must be seen as a catalyst rather than a substitute for debate and the tools and techniques should never become an end in themselves, they should not be “idolised”. If participatory methodologies are reduced to tools and techniques there is the danger that they will be used in manipulative, extractive, inequitable and damaging ways. Reflect practitioners recognise that unless we are sensitive to power we will never be able to use such methods for a truly empowering, rights based approach,
“Only with a deep awareness of power at all times and at all levels can we use participatory processes effectively”.
When working with participatory methodologies, it is important to be aware that people can become locked into local level analysis. Respecting people knowledge and experience as a starting point is of fundamental importance – but we risk romanticising this and restricting people to a local level analysis. Participatory methodologies should be used as a means to link micro to macro analysis.