Learning Buddies in Coventry & Warwickshire
What is the Learning Buddies project?
The project aims to develop a network of Learning Buddies across Coventry & Warwickshire, who will engage, encourage, motivate and support other community members to gain knowledge and skills through both informal and formal routes.
Many unwaged individuals lack the confidence and personal esteem to learn new skills and gain knowledge; they may feel isolated and have had poor previous experiences of more formal learning.
Yet there are those individuals within any community who have the trust, credibility and relationships with people to encourage them to "try something new".
We have a new Open College Network accredited unit at level 3, pithily entitled "Learning Buddies", that not only introduces learners to different ways of learning and how to overcome barriers to learning, but also to the mechanics of setting up networks and making them work.
This project wants to identify and support those individuals - Learning Buddies - and develop a web of networks that gives peer support to the Buddies, and also introduces individuals from different localities as well as urban, rural, and semi-rural areas.
What's in it for the Learning Buddies?
They will receive a 4-session training course that includes:
- the knowledge and skills of recognising how adults learn and different learning styles
- key skills such as active listening, observation, appropriate questioning skills and interventions skills
- reflective practice to review and plan personal development, and motivating others.
The course - Learning Buddies - has been accredited through the Open College Network at level 3.
It is delivered in ADEPT's style of a very interactive way using small group discussions, case studies, and role plays where appropriate.
It does require some level of reading and writing skills, but utilises a whole range of teaching methods to take account of an individual's learning style and needs.
On-going support both around an individual achieving accreditation and in developing a local network will continue to be provided through a range of activities including telephone, email and informal meetings.
Expectations of the Learning Buddies:
They are expected to complete the 4 sessions of the training course, and to support/encourage other individuals towards learning activities.
They will be expected to play a part in developing a local network, to participate in a wider Coventry & Warwickshire network, and attend 2 facilitated seminars providing further support and advice as part of the ongoing learning and support.
If you would like to learn how this might help your communities contact Denise or Gary to find out more.