I have learned through an internet search that a lot has happened
to the term 'deprogramming' since I first read about it 20 years
ago.
Issues about 'deprogramming' could lead us way off track given
that it raises a whole host of issues beyond 'outdoor education
research' - especially as deprogramming has itself been
characterised as brainwashing.
I have learned that although most 'deprogrammings' have been
voluntary, the ones getting most publicity were the involuntary
ones -starting with a kidnapping and ending (sometimes) with the
deprogrammer going to jail.
After 'deprogramming therapists' along came 'exit counselors' and
now 'thought reform consultants'. Just how the term 'thought
reform' (which Kaye's quote says is 'total manipulation of the
individual') is meant to have a less coercive meaning than
'deprogramming' is possibly one of the strangest things that has
happened to the English language in recent years! But these
thought reformers do appear to have a very respectable code of
ethics.
The language is confusing but the trend is clear. Instead of
'snapping' people out of a programmed state (typical of
deprogramming), thought reform consultants see rehabilitation as
a much longer term process (which is also much more costly of
course).
This ties in with John's phrase in his recent message about ''the
immediate and evolving interpretation of the "adventure".'' Which
also ties in with Peter Allison's work on post expedition
adjustment. i.e. interpretations and adjustments take time. I
think that such insights (and areas of research) might change the
kinds of evaluation questions that are asked after
programmes/courses, as well as the kinds of support that are
provided after the event.
One picture I see is of changes happening within a programme,
with follow-up designed to support the implementation of these
changes back at home/school/work.
The other picture I see is of change beginning within a
programme, with follow-up designed to support continuing learning
and change (similar to John's 'evolving interpretation'). My own
research with managers (6 weeks after their course experience)
supports this concept of 'evolving interpretation' - but it's too
late to use this phrase now! 6 weeks on they were finding
themselves reinterpreting the meaning of their course
experiences. Self-managed learning (supported by others) is
possibly the greatest defence against any form of programming,
reprogramming or deprogramming.
still evolving,
Roger
Roger Greenaway
Reviewing Skills Training
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http://reviewing.co.uk
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