Certificate Course for People in Crisis Regions "Learning Facilitator"

[Translate to Englisch:] JWL
© Bild: JWL

Talented young people from refugee camps and conflict areas have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills as students at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt through the "Learning Facilitator" certificate. As a result of the successful cooperation between the KU, Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL) and the company Seitwerk GmbH, this special academic network has been established.

Together, the partners aim to create access to education and enable participation in quality education for disadvantaged groups, empowering students to act as educational innovators in their communities.

The Course "Learning Facilitator"

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The 24-week blended learning program aims to empower students to design effective and inclusive learning environments. Participants engage in interactive group work and discussions both online and on-site in learning centers, for example in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Malawi. This is complemented by virtual classrooms that allow students to submit assignments and work directly with lecturers from Germany and the USA. This international collaboration provides students with constructive feedback and informed performance assessment.

An integral part of the course is a six-week Service-Learning project that intensifies the application of theoretical knowledge through practical project work in the educational setting. Upon successful completion, students receive the "Learning Facilitator" certificate and are thus qualified to take on supportive teaching activities in various educational institutions and organizations. This paves the way for them to act as teachers, lecturers, tutors, mentors and coaches and make a lasting contribution as educational multipliers.

The Certificate Course Consists of Three Modules

Module 1: Learning Facilitation

  • Equip students with foundational knowledge and skills to create dynamic, effective learning experiences with a focus on engagement, inclusion and equity
  • Objective: To prepare students for roles as learning facilitators and experts in supportive learning environments
  • Skills: Analysis, planning, communication, interculturality, reflection, inclusion, equity, ethics
  • Course content: Learning guidance, learner and community needs, technology use, inclusion, equity, cultural and linguistic differences, safe and respectful learning environments

Module 2: Planning for Learning

  • Objective: Imparting the ability to design curricula and unit plans according to the needs and abilities of the learners
  • Skills: Analysis, methodology, planning, evaluation, reflection, cooperation, communication, metacognition and self-regulation, social competence
  • Course content: Curriculum development, formulation of learning objectives, assessment of learning progress, design of learning experiences

Module 3: Practicum Module Learning Facilitation

  • Application of theoretical knowledge from the modules "Learning facilitation" and "Planning for learning" in practice
  • Objective: Gain practical experience in learning facilitation through an internship at educational institutions
  • Skills: Analyzing learning needs, creating inclusive learning environments, appropriate conflict resolution
  • Course content: Reflections on learning facilitation experiences, case studies, implementation of learning objectives, feedback methods, concept development, digital learning environments, conflict management, self-reflection
[Translate to Englisch:] JWL_3
© Bild: JWL
[Translate to Englisch:] JWL
© Bild: JWL
[Translate to Englisch:] Sri Lanka
© JWL
[Translate to Englisch:] JWL
© JWL

Testimonials

[Translate to Englisch:] JWL Alumni Jockin Jerom Rosery

The Learning Facilitator is one of those courses that entirely change people, their lives and virtues. Usually we learn for ourselves, but as Learning Facilitators we learn for the betterment of others, by educating ourselves. Along with that, some of the topics it deals with, including codes of conducts, the big ideas,…

The Learning Facilitator is one of those courses that entirely change people, their lives and virtues. Usually we learn for ourselves, but as Learning Facilitators we learn for the betterment of others, by educating ourselves. Along with that, some of the topics it deals with, including codes of conducts, the big ideas, objective planning, multiple intelligence, gender equality, child rights and others, can be life changing. You do not need to be a teacher to obtain the fullest benefits of them; there is an abundance for all individuals to learn. In addition, the system, the software is brilliantly designed. Furthermore, there are opportunities to meet online facilitators, by whom we can be enriched and who we never will forget or be forgotten.

People like me, from countries with traditional, rigid and outdated classrooms and pedagogy are the norm. In general, we do not have access to or see examples of learner-led classrooms; we are used to the way it is. The Learning Facilitator Course provides a ground breaking service of introducing us to a pure learner-led classroom, so that we are enabled to work towards a solid and strong reformation in the future. In order to empower this work and allow the revolution to take place, a myriad of people must become committed to learning and should experience this course. Therefore, with great joy I recommend and promote the Learning Facilitator Course to everyone I know.

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“I see myself as an instrument to promote and enhance the education of students, those who are struggling to get an education and those who are from a very poor family background,” says Yalini, a Learning Facilitator programme graduate.

Like her parents and grandparents before her, Yalini grew up in Hatton’s tea…

“I see myself as an instrument to promote and enhance the education of students, those who are struggling to get an education and those who are from a very poor family background,” says Yalini, a Learning Facilitator programme graduate.

Like her parents and grandparents before her, Yalini grew up in Hatton’s tea plantations. She believes that education is necessary to make a significant difference in her community. Encouraged by her parents and recognising the relevance of English language skills in today’s world, Yalini first joined JWL’s global community of learners through the Global English Language programme. At the same time, she developed an interest in becoming a teacher:

“In our country we are the people who are left behind in every way academically, professionally and economically. Also we are in the lowest stage so parents cannot put effort for their children’s education. That’s why I have chosen my future career as a facilitator to help them to come up.”

Yalini is putting knowledge and skills developed during both programmes into practice through part-time work with Hatton’s Centre for Social Concern, and teaching evening English classes at local schools. What next? She hopes to pursue her studies at the College of Education and fulfil her dream of becoming a formal teacher to empower her community.

Source: https://www.jwl.org/global-student-community/article/yalini-gellf

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It’s been eight years since Zedan was forcibly displaced from Sinjar, northern Iraq; eight years of living in Khanke’s internally displaced persons’ camp. “Sometimes you feel that you will give up,” he says, but stresses that he is working on learning as much as possible to form a peaceful community.

His journey with…

It’s been eight years since Zedan was forcibly displaced from Sinjar, northern Iraq; eight years of living in Khanke’s internally displaced persons’ camp. “Sometimes you feel that you will give up,” he says, but stresses that he is working on learning as much as possible to form a peaceful community.

His journey with JWL began with the Global English Language programme through which he feels he learned a lot and which encouraged him to be engaged within the community. The next step was the Peace Leader professional programme. “That course made me someone else, ready to face the world.”

Zedan remembers being rather impatient and lacking inner peace. This changed as he made his way through the course as well as through his experience as an interpreter for an organisation that supports Yazidi survivors who suffered at the hands of ISIS.

Realising just how much he learned about conflict and peace, and wishing to transfer this knowledge, enrolling in the Learning Facilitator programme was the logical next step. Having graduated from the programme, Zedan is now supporting new Peace Leader students as their onsite facilitator.

It is his firm belief that “a peace leader should make peace leaders, not followers,” that when you learn something and when someone helps you, you should pass it on. “Don’t run when you face difficulties. Face them and one way or another, you will resolve them.”

Pursuing studies and having dreams for the future is often hard for survivors but Zedan has a plan. Someday, he will open a learning centre and provide survivors with free lessons/lectures. There will be a time for healing and then “they will go study and make their dreams come true.”

Source: https://www.jwl.org/global-student-community/article/zedan

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[Translate to Englisch:] Learning Facilitator Graduate Ko Toe

Hi, I'm Ko Toe from Myanmar, a teacher with around 30 years of experience. Initially, I was just an ordinary, traditional teacher seeking self-improvement. I attended various teacher training sessions aiming to enhance my teaching skills, but unfortunately, I did not transform into a professional teacher until I joined…

Hi, I'm Ko Toe from Myanmar, a teacher with around 30 years of experience. Initially, I was just an ordinary, traditional teacher seeking self-improvement. I attended various teacher training sessions aiming to enhance my teaching skills, but unfortunately, I did not transform into a professional teacher until I joined the JWL's professional Learning Facilitator program. My experiences with this program were truly exceptional and embarked me on an exciting journey. The challenges and stretched learning experiences profoundly impacted me, pushing me towards achieving my goals. Upon completing the program, I have been equipped with essential learning facilitation skills, including classroom, time, and stress management. Moreover, my knowledge on teaching and learning has significantly improved, thanks to the unique study materials and valuable resources provided by the program. Additionally, my attitude towards various aspects such as teaching, learning, ethics, diversity, inclusiveness, and code of conduct has undergone a positive change. In essence, I have now become a professional teacher.

What I particularly appreciate about this program is the sense of self-confidence and satisfaction I gain with each task or assignment I complete. Lastly, a memorable aspect of this experience is the kindness and patience I received from both my online and onsite facilitators throughout the program. I am deeply grateful for this transformative journey. Thank you.

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JWL

My name is Jameel Qawal Saydo, and I am 27 years old. In 2014, we were forced to flee our village due to an attack by ISIS on Sinjar. We embarked on a grueling journey on foot, covering tens of kilometers until we reached the relative safety of the Kurdistan region, specifically a village called Zakho. From there, we…

My name is Jameel Qawal Saydo, and I am 27 years old. In 2014, we were forced to flee our village due to an attack by ISIS on Sinjar. We embarked on a grueling journey on foot, covering tens of kilometers until we reached the relative safety of the Kurdistan region, specifically a village called Zakho. From there, we sought shelter in the Shariya displaced camp where we stayed until 2023. Life in the camps was incredibly challenging, with freezing winters and scorching summers making survival a daily struggle. In 2023, we were able to return to our hometown of Khanasor, just 5 km from Sinuni. Now, my family and I have resettled in this village, trying to rebuild our lives after the turmoil we endured.

I decided to participate in the Learning Facilitator program because I have always had a passion for teaching. I wanted to become a facilitator who was different from the ones who taught me in school. In my region, students are struggling due to a lack of modern teaching methods. Teachers rely on traditional approaches, preventing students from developing their skills and hindering any opportunities for practical application in our schools. The focus is on theory rather than practical learning. Furthermore, my community is significantly behind in terms of education and literacy. I felt a strong desire to make a positive impact and help improve the education and literacy levels in my community. Before enrolling in the Learning Facilitator course, I found myself at home with nothing to do besides pursuing a few hobbies. I wanted to fill this void, utilize my time effectively, and make a meaningful contribution to my community. 

I absolutely loved diving into the Learning Facilitator program. The course was engaging from start to finish, with no dull moments in sight. The content was not only informative but also easy to grasp, making it a breeze to follow along. I gained valuable insights into effective classroom management, meeting the needs of students, utilizing positive reinforcement, creating unit and lesson plans, and so much more. The in-class meetings were a highlight for me, as we delved into discussions about course material and brainstormed ways to implement our newfound knowledge in the community. While there were a few hurdles along the way, such as occasional internet issues that tested my perseverance, I pushed through and successfully completed all assignments. The final project was a standout moment for me, as it had a positive impact on my participants’ lives. Their gratitude and appreciation serve as a constant reminder of the difference I was able to make through this program.

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[Translate to Englisch:] JWL Studierende

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Course Developer and Online Faculty

Project and degree program coordinator JWL
Room: UH-109
Counselor for BA Religious Education; Project coordinator and online facilitator JWL
Room: UH-009
Online facilitator Learning Facilitator (JWL)