Shared learning in action: children can make a difference

Shared learning in action is embedded in a belief in child centred approaches, lifeskills development and the importance of self‐esteem. It is a process which can be used with children from the age of eight upwards, in formal and informal settings, to address a wide range of issues. This brief introduction shows how the work has been developed in schools and the community for health and personal and social education of children. Essential factors are that the children set the agenda and take action based on their own ideas and research. The approach has evolved from child to child activities and has seven clear steps whatever the topic or issue. Practical issues are addressed here through examples of projects covering various aspects of personal, social and health education, including the role of teachers, parents and other adults, organisation in schools and links with social, moral and cultural development.