News and Views

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Calling all Learning Facilitators

In July, 2008, the Instructor-of-Trainers Certification program/process was retired. This marked its 20th year. In the place of the 4.5 day Instructor-of-Trainers Course and Council Train-the-Trainer courses, a refreshingly shorter course is being developed, Facilitating Adult Learning. The course focuses on the basics of what any individual needs to know to effectively support and facilitate learning for an adult audience. The intent of the course is to prepare people to be "facilitators," also known as council "trainers."

The Facilitating Adult Learning Course design and supporting handouts will be sent electronically in the early spring, 2009. This electronic version will be supported by a 24/7 tutorial that individuals will be able to access anytime, anywhere. Following the tutorial will be small interactive synchronous sessions for volunteer facilitators who wish to deliver this course in a face to face setting within their councils.

Former certified Instructor of Trainers should be able to pick up the design and deliver the course. They could also access the 24/7 tutorial or participate in one of the synchronous interactive sessions if they want to become more confident in delivering it.

Does it require a certified IOT to deliver the Facilitating Adult Learning Course? No, the adult development manager or the staff overseeing volunteer learning may determine if an individual is qualified to deliver the Facilitating Adult Learning Course. There may an individual who does corporate training and could easily pick up the design and the tutorial and be ready to deliver it.

In addition to the online support sessions, an online community of practice on a wiki is available that focuses on adult learning. All adult learning practitioners, volunteer and or staff is invited to participate.

To access the Wiki, please contact Mike Maslanek, mmaslanek@girlscouts.org.