The course is designed for students who expect to train adults as part of their professional work. Such training often takes place in the context of organizational capacity development or as part of efforts to empower marginalized populations. We will examine the principles of adult learning theory and explore how these principles can ground the design and delivery of training for capacity development and empowerment Topics covered include the development of training objectives; selection of appropriate training methods and resources; sequencing of learning experiences; and training evaluation. Students will work in teams to create a training module that can be delivered to a group of learners.

Special attention will be given to key elements of active pedagogy for increasing transfer of learning; constructivism; and scaffolding. Participants will learn to: conduct a simple needs assessment to support training and development activities; formulate and assess clear training objectives; select training methods appropriate to learners and program goals; design instructional activities in response to training needs and skills analyses; and optimize the impact of cultural diversity on learning goals.