5.2 Achieving a particular learning outcome

Here’s some suggestions on what preparation to do or formats to use if there is a particular learning outcome that you or your learners want to achieve through the Dialogue session.

Improving knowledge and political understanding

Politician
If you’re looking for a general introduction to democracy or politics, then the role of the politician is less important - a local councillor, Member of Senedd or UK Member of Parliament all would be suitable.

If you want learners to understand about a particular part of the political system then ideally you would have a politician from that part. For example, if you wanted learners to understand more about the Senedd, then it would make sense to speak to a Member of the Senedd.

Preparation
We suggest following the ‘Explore’, ‘Understand’ and ‘Prepare’ structure, with a lesson on each. The ‘Understand’ lesson should focus on the part of the political system the politician is from. For example, if you are speaking to a councillor then you should use Understand resources that explain how local government works in Wales.

If the focus is on an issue, then we suggest at least 50% of questions the learners prepare are about that issue or policy. 

Format
The ‘Standard’ or ‘Presentation Led’ formats work best to achieve this outcome. 

Building trust and relationships

Politician
Someone relatable, possibly from a similar background to the learners taking part if possible.

Preparation
Focus on learning resources that help learners to appreciate the role politicians have and the impact they have on issues important to learners.

Suggest delivering at least one ‘Explore’ workshop. Depending on the level of knowledge the learners have, you may want to skip the ‘Understand’ workshop and do more ‘Explore’ activities.

When learners prepare their questions, you could encourage more relationship questions.

Format
The ‘Standard’ or ‘Interactive’ formats work best to achieve this outcome. 

An opportunity to advocate about an issue or cause

Politician
The politician should have some responsibility / interest in the issue / policy or cause that you or your learners want to focus on. Depending on the issue, you can sometimes find a Member of the House of Lords who will have a special interest or connection to the issue.

Preparation
If the primary aim of the Dialogue is to give your learners the opportunity to advocate about an issue or a cause, then the preparation is key. You may need to spend more time preparing the learners. 

We suggest following the ‘Explore’, ‘Understand’ and ‘Prepare’ structure, but, in the ‘Understand’ lesson, have the learners research the issue or cause the learners wish to advocate on and what power or responsibilities the politician they are speaking to has over that issue.

For example, if your learners want to advocate on increasing youth provision in the local area, they need to learn what provision there is, decide what they want to change, and understand what the politician could do around the issue. 

Format
The ‘Standard’ or ‘Presentation Led’ formats work best to achieve this outcome. 

Developing oracy and critical thinking skills

Politician
The role of the politician is not particularly important for this outcome, though having a politician who is from a similar background to the learners taking part can help.

Preparation
We suggest following the ‘Explore’, ‘Understand’ and ‘Prepare’ structure, but extend, or have two, ‘Prepare’ lessons. This will allow learners to spend more time on research and question formulation.

Format
All three formats can be used to achieve this outcome.