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Participatory Learning By Judith Alava, Amiya Powell- Hodge, and Elizabeth Mancini

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Participatory Learning By Judith Alava, Amiya Powell- Hodge, and Elizabeth Mancini

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ELIZABETH SITUATION: East County Board of Economic Development has proposed the creation of a certificate program in management for county employees who are interested in seeking a managerial position. 

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ELIZABETH SITUATION: East County Board of Economic Development has proposed the creation of a certificate program in management for county employees who are interested in seeking a managerial position. 

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As the number of positions grows, the county has experienced problems recruiting managers to fill the openings. The pool of entry-level managers has gotten progressively smaller as the best potential candidates find higher-paying jobs outside of county government. In an effort to increase the possibility of hiring for these positions from within the ranks of existing county employees, the East County Board of Economic Development has proposed the creation of a certificate program in management for county employees who are interested in seeking a managerial position. The program would encourage existing employees to participate as part of their professional development. It would give current supervisors a chance to identify potential candidates.

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AMIYA Strategies being used in your Professional Development

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AMIYA Strategies being used in your Professional Development

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In participatory learning environment, the instructor serves as a guide to facilitate discussions, present various resources and support learners along the learning journey.  The learners take on an active role in the learning process. Learners collaborate with peers, inquire and engage in critical thinking with other learners. They drive their learning experience and become co-creators of knowledge. In essence, participatory learning is about mutual growth and shared responsibility. 

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JUDITH Role of the instructor and learner in the solution

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JUDITH Role of the instructor and learner in the solution

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AMIYA Timing of the instruction (when and how it happens)

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AMIYA Timing of the instruction (when and how it happens)

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ELIZABETH Anticipated benefits of the strategies

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ELIZABETH Anticipated benefits of the strategies

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Encouraging employees to participate in learning actively helps them grasp new concepts through practical experiences rather than simply absorbing large amounts of information. When done effectively, participatory learning can enhance career satisfaction by making the development process more engaging and meaningful. Using a shared platform where employees can collaborate and support each other fosters a sense of ownership over their learning journey. A blend of fun activities, peer sharing, and career-building support creates the ideal environment for engaging adult learners. This approach emphasizes learning by doing, incorporating small group work, hands-on materials, open questioning, and peer teaching.

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ELIZABETH Anticipated challenges of the strategies

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ELIZABETH Anticipated challenges of the strategies

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Some anticipated challenges in this professional development include employee engagement and participation, supervisor buy-in and support, measuring program success and outcomes, and sustainability and funding. Encouraging employees to commit to the program might be difficult, especially for those already managing heavy workloads or lacking motivation for additional learning. Current supervisors may view the program as a drain on staff availability or a threat to internal dynamics, especially if they seek promotions. It may be challenging to demonstrate a clear return on investment and evaluate whether the program leads to improved managerial readiness. Maintaining the program over time may be difficult due to budget constraints or shifting organizational priorities.

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ELIZABETH Why your professional development model is innovative

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ELIZABETH Why your professional development model is innovative

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A professional development plan with a “menu” is considered innovative because it offers a flexible, personalized approach to learning, allowing individuals to select development activities that align with their specific needs, interests, and career aspirations. Much like a restaurant menu that caters to diverse tastes, this approach empowers employees to choose from various training modules, workshops, or skill-building opportunities that resonate most with their goals. This tailored learning experience not only increases engagement and motivation but also ensures that the development process is meaningful and relevant to each individual, ultimately fostering more effective growth and professional fulfillment.