Facilitating Adult Learning

This free training course on facilitating adult learning provides workshop facilitators, trainers, educators, and subject matter experts with the mindsets, skills, and techniques needed to facilitate learning in a fun, engaging, and professional way.

The course explores the principles of adult learning, the role of the facilitator, and the practical skills required to create positive learning experiences. Participants will develop their facilitation skills, explore a wide range of learner-centred facilitation techniques, examine approaches to assessment and feedback, and learn how to prepare effectively for successful workshops and training sessions.

Whether delivering pre-designed training programmes or creating their own workshops, participants will gain practical tools and approaches that can be applied across a variety of learning and professional development contexts.

The course can be completed as an online-only course or in a blended format where learners first watch the videos and then engage in a synchronous in-person session. A Facilitator Guide is available for download for the synchronous in-person session.

The course is available in Arabic, English and Russian. The duration of this course is 2.5 hours.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

LO1 Explain key principles of adult learning and distinguish between teaching and facilitation approaches

LO2 Describe the communication, listening, questioning, and people-management skills required for effective facilitation

LO3 Identify facilitation techniques that support participation, reflection, collaboration, and learner engagement

LO4 Explain how different facilitation techniques can be selected and adapted to meet specific learning objectives and participant needs

LO5 Describe approaches for assessing learning and providing constructive feedback to participants

LO6 Explain how feedback can be used to strengthen facilitation practice and improve learning experiences

LO7 Describe the key planning, preparation, and logistical considerations required for successful workshop delivery

LO8 Apply facilitation principles and techniques to create engaging and inclusive adult learning environments

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Facilitate workshops and training sessions that actively engage adult learners
• Use effective listening, questioning, and communication techniques to support participation and learning
• Manage group dynamics and create inclusive learning environments that encourage contribution from all participants
• Select and facilitate appropriate learning activities based on workshop objectives and participant needs
• Deliver constructive feedback that supports learner development and reflection
• Gather and use participant feedback to continuously improve facilitation practice
• Plan and prepare workshops effectively, including learning activities, timing, logistics, and participant engagement strategies
• Adapt facilitation approaches confidently in response to changing learner needs and workshop conditions

This course was produced as part of the Aga Khan Foundation’s Civil Society programme.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License. To view a copy of this license, go here.