Participatory Approach to Capacity Building Program

Adult Learning Principles

MI Capacity Development Principle

Capacity Development can only be successful if:

1. Training contents are directly related to participants’ responsibilities

2. Each participant has an opportunity to practice and apply what s/he learned

3. Social and cultural differences are taken into full consideration

4. Local institutions are involved and capacitated

Characteristics of Adult Learners

• Self Direct

• Life experience and knowledge

• Goal-oriented

• Relevancy-oriented

• Practical

• Need to be shown respect

Critical Elements of Learning

• Motivation• Reinforcement• Retention• Transference

MI Modular Training Program

• Learn to do• Do to learn• Share to learn

What are the realities of group decision-making?

Myth

Decision point

Definite Reality

The ultimate goal of participation

What can the facilitator do to help the group in the Groan Zone?

What is an inclusive solution?

• Takes into account everyone’s interests

• Builds on the collective ideas of the group

• Challenges fixed assumptions

• Is innovative

Question anything that seems impossible

Search for common goals

Challenges fixed assumptions

How can we satisfy all interests?

Find out how others have solved similar problems

Step back from solutions back to need. Find a

solution that meets all needs

Self-selection let everyone do what

they want

Divide the problem into parts and solve each part separately

Tips in Facilitating Group Work

Do’s• Do treat silly ideas the same as serious ideas.• Do encourage people to take turns.• Unblock the flow by asking people to think of opposites, what-its,

variations, add-ons, etc.• Allow the whole group to think first and jot down ideas before

sharing g them, to allow the ‘slower’ people to contribute as well.• Ask people to write their ideas on cards. Collect the cards and post

them.• Keep the output of brainstorms in view e.g. post the flip-chart on the

wall. Show the participants that you value the results of brainstorming sessions by referring to these flip-charts as the meeting progresses. It is also never too late to add further ideas to flip-charts produced earlier

Tips (Cont.)Don’ts• Don’t interrupt.• Don’t reject any ideas.• Don’t force anyone to contribute.• Don’t say ‘we have got that one’.• Don’t say ‘Ooh, good one’.• Don’t show any body/facial sighs of disapproval.• Don’t favor the ‘best’ thinkers• Don’t give up the first time the group seems stuck.• Don’t try to be the facilitator and chart-writer at the same time.• Don‘t rush or pressure the group. Silence usually people are

thinking!