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Headsup
Method(s) Used
Name of person who posted the project:Zaki Nahaboo (involve)
Location of project:United Kingdom
Date when the project started:2003
Date when the project ended/project ongoing:
Background to project:As stated on the Hansard Society website:'HeadsUp is an online forum for under 18's to debate political issues with their peers up and down the country, and with influential decision-makers. It is a safe, student-oriented space where young people become more informed about political issues, improve their discussion skills and let adults with political influence know what they think. EDUCATING - The forum supports education professionals in delivering the citizenship curriculum and provides accessible information for young people. Teachers and supporting youth workers can register on the site and take part in forums to help their students make the most of the debates. To make it even easier, registered teachers can create accounts for whole classes, year groups or even schools (with full technical support). DEBATING - The forums last for 3 weeks and are open to view without registration - participants still need to register to post comments. The forum is pre-moderated to keep the debates high-quality and to avoid any bad language or abusive behaviour. Moderators are well trained in supporting forum participants and are completely non-partisan in their approach to the issues discussed. INFORMING - The site is not just a talking shop. Recent forums have seen comment from Secretaries of State and their Shadow counterparts and young people's views have been highlighted in the Houses of Parliament and national newspapers. Interaction with MPs, Peers and other policy-makers, informs government policy, builds young people's confidence and ability to effect change, as well as improving their knowledge of the political process. Feedback from decision-makers and the wide dissemination of young people's views after every forum, is a key and unique element of the HeadsUp project.' The site is managed by Purpose of project:'HeadsUp is an online debating space for under 18s to discuss their views on political issues with their peers and influencial decision-makers.''HeadsUp aims to build young people's levels of political awareness and participation so that they can play an effective role in the democratic processes affecting their lives.' 'HeadsUp is also a space politicians can use to consult with young people and find out their ideas, experiences and opinions.' Project activities:Debate topics are chosen by the young people and have included a range of subjects, such as; immigration, crime, the NHS, climate change and international aid. The moderators of the forum have avatars designed to engage young people. They are representative of different political and intellectual persuasions and seek to inform participants, keep threads alive and contribute to developing political literacy.Project results:Results of specific debates are published through forum summary reports. The HeadsUp 2006-07 evaluation report suggests success is measured through:Levels of participation The raising of political literacy Its influence upon teachers as a resource Legislator participation Contact details:Beccy Allen, HeadsUp ManagerHansard Society 40 - 43 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1JA 020 7438 1214 r.allen@hansard.lse.ac.uk www.headsup.org.uk |
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