Written by Marika Alhonen and Taina Laivola
The Game of change-project aims at creating new effective methods and learning material for trainers in adult education to support persons in change processes. The project leans on Theory U, which as a framework includes playful aspects and it connects the open mind, the open heart and the open will – a powerful combination.
To create the Game of Change- training concept we first wanted to define the key elements of how to successfully support change processes in adult education. This blog post brings out the insights from emphathising with adult educators in different countries.
It all starts from the pedagogical wellbeing of students and staff
Pedagogical well-being is based on interaction between teachers and students and other stakeholders and networks. It is also influenced by the support and interaction of the work community, for example as emotional support and a safe learning environment.
Trainers in adult education tell how a supportive and collaborative work-environment has helped them to guide change processes in a successful way. They stress the importance of peer support, good leadership, and continuous professional development. The organisational support is an important factor.
Access to new tools, methods, and ongoing professional development provide trainers the necessary tools to handle challenges and innovate in their teaching practices. By staying updated with new tools and methodologies (e.g. through adult teachers’ forums, websites and dedicated media), trainers can develop their professional competence and adapt to changing educational needs. Taking care of personal well-being and work-life balance enables them to stay resilient and inspire and guide their students more effectively.
Genuine care and understanding strengthens the relationship and promote a feeling of trust
Good communication skills and the ability to empathize are important elements in successful guidance. Adapting a holistic and individual approach in the guidance process, together with active listening, create an atmosphere and space that supports openness and trust. These are the central elements of psychological safety, which in turn reduces fear and stress and invite to imagine a desired future.
Adapting a positive attitude and highlighting strengths support an environment where learners feel that they can flourish. Courage, curiosity, and acceptance of incompleteness combined with a permissive emotional atmosphere and adequate support allows for authentic personal development.
Good guidance is personalised, interactive and focuses on individual needs
Trainers in adult education support the self-direction and the development of strong self-esteem. This helps the students and learners to find motivation, set clear goals and enable experiences of success. Making the progress visible and bringing out the success of the students reinforce the change that is taking place.
Choosing methods according to what would best serve the person being guided and taking the role of a learning facilitator, enable students to achieve their own goals and choose their own direction. Involving students in shaping the learning process increases the sense of ownership and teamwork, and eventually makes the learning experience more fruitful, engaging, and collaborative.
The Game of Change-project (Erasmus+) is an international cooperation project that provides a new approach for teachers and trainers on change processes, combining mindfulness teaching with change management and creativity. Partners are the following: Learningdigital SRL Italy, Blickpunkt Identität Austria, Berufliches Bildungs- und Rehabilitationszentr um Österreich –Austria, Etelä-Savon Koulutus Oy (project co-ordinator)
References: Scharmer, O. 2018. The Essentials of Theory U: Core Principles and Applications.