Key advantages of large group self-organising learning communities in comparison with other training
Although the tutors (apart from leading the plenaries) will be available for all kinds of theoretical and practical input as well as modelling and demonstrations, a lot of the learning will not only be experiential, but also self-organised and self-directed. The notion of the 'reflective practitioner' - whatever your particular work practice - will inform and guide us throughout the events.
see here for a more detailed description of experiential, holistic learning (- linking to "Experiential, holistic learning")
Here's a summary of the key advantages which a self-organising learning community offers in comparison with other didactic, pre-structured training courses:
- experiential, holistic, relational ways of learning that integrate theory and practice
- you will have influence on tailoring your experience of the event to your specific learning needs and objectives (rather than wading through lots of information that either is irrelevant to you or which you are familiar with already)
- you will be able to join in at a level that is commensurate with your experience (the learning is diverse, individual and specific, and does not treat everybody as if they are a beginner)
- you can stay in your comfort zone if you wish or there is a wide spectrum of possibilities for challenging and stretching yourself
- experiential learning is grounded in reflecting on live experience and collective processes as they occur (whereas much academic knowledge forever remains academic); going beyond abstract management models to address the messy, real-life situation
- the learning community provides multiple and immediate action-reflection cycles which - often in quick succession - intensify the learning
- unlike any other leadership development event, you will be co-responsible for shaping and co-creating the organisation from the beginning (rather than being led throughout in an artificial training situation which then at best includes some experiential work and simulations)
- accessing learning resources and models when you need them (rather when a tutor or the training curriculum decide to deliver them)
- being in a self-directing learning community with no fixed agenda or external tasks, that provides leading-edge 21stcentury psychological expertise in reflecting on the evolving culture and group dynamics as they occur in real-time
- 'here and now' learning based on giving space to and working with interpersonal and group dynamics
- being active and interactive in a group of diverse people from diverse cultures with diverse values, outlooks and identities
Last not least - especially in a recession - there is the financial aspect: considering the depth and variety of learning available, how readily it will translate into your everyday work, and how much value they will add to your work, Communitas events are excellent value for money.
Posted by Michael Soth in