About This Course
The most powerful adult learning does not happen when an expert delivers content to a passive group. It happens when a group of adults with shared purpose, genuine trust and skilled facilitation becomes a genuine learning community where people learn as much from each other as from any educator.
This course gives adult education professionals a deep, practical and personally transformative engagement with learning community facilitation. Participants explore communities of practice theory, group dynamics and peer learning, and develop a rich toolkit of facilitation and coaching techniques.
The course connects to LifeComp, the European Agenda for Adult Learning and the Erasmus+ priorities of Inclusion and Diversity and Participation in Democratic Life.
Who Should Attend
- Adult educators who want to move beyond delivery towards genuine community facilitation
- Community learning professionals building peer learning networks
- Social workers and youth workers using group-based approaches
- Non-formal education practitioners working with civil society groups
- Anyone who brings adults together for learning and wants to do it better
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
Apply communities of practice theory and group development models to adult learning group design.
Wenger's communities of practice and Tuckman's group development model are the most useful theoretical frameworks for understanding adult learning groups. You will use both as diagnostic and design tools.
Use coaching approaches to support individual learning within group contexts.
The best adult learning facilitators are also skilled coaches. You will practice core coaching skills including active listening, powerful questioning and reflecting back within a group facilitation context.
Design and facilitate peer learning activities that leverage the collective knowledge of the group.
Peer learning is the most underused resource in adult education. You will have a rich toolkit of formats including learning trios, fishbowl conversations, world cafes and structured peer review.
Manage conflict and tension in adult learning groups in ways that deepen rather than damage community.
Conflict in a learning community is often a sign that people are genuinely engaged. You will know how to hold tension productively, facilitate difficult conversations and use disagreement as a resource.
A 7-Day Professional Development Experience
Five days of intensive training with a structured arrival day and cultural excursion. We tailor every programme to your organisation's needs.
Welcome dinner. The course begins the community-building process from arrival.
Guided cultural excursion. Departure at convenience.
This outline is a starting point. Contact us to discuss how we can tailor this programme for your organisation.
EU Policy Alignment
EU Priority Alignment
EU Competence Frameworks
EU Policy Initiatives
Available Locations and Dates
Check the dates page for current availability.
Check Dates and Availability