Catching Confidence : Train the Trainer – Leeds

The nature and role of confidence – ways of developing and recording changes in the learning contex

09 March 2006 Hinsley Hall, Leeds

‘Catching confidence was a small-scale research project, which involved
investigating the nature of confidence, designing a tool to capture
changes in confidence and piloting the tool with the help of tutors and
learners. This training has been organised to enable staff, including
those in the voluntary and community sector to use the process within
their own organisation.

One of the key learning outcomes reported by many adult learners is a
growth in confidence and self-esteem. However, further investigation
and discussion reveals that these outcomes are often based upon
anecdotal evidence and little systematic gathering of indicators or
knowledge of what difference increased confidence has made to learners
and which learning processes are most effective in developing
confidence. In addition, there is little evidence to indicate what
confidence really is, especially in learning. If gains in confidence
are as significant as many learners and tutors appear to suggest, ways
of evidencing them seem to be important.

Gains in confidence are also important to fulfil government policies.
Development of confidence is one of the keys to the successful
development of literacy, language and numeracy skills through the
governments’ Skills for Life strategy. The national Learning and
Skills Council’s widening participation strategy would also be enhanced
and enriched with greater insight into the role of confidence in
attracting and sustaining involvement in learning.

The training event will start with registration at 10.00am and ends at
3.00pm, lunch is provided. The training is relevant to all those with
responsibility for organising and delivering teaching and learning,
including literacy, language and numeracy. Staff in the voluntary and community sector and their partners are particularly welcome,
especially if they are able to cascade what they learn, to their
colleagues.

The training aims to:

• Offer insight into the research on the nature and role of confidence in learning
• Provide an opportunity to examine how the process has been used by practitioners in a variety of contexts
• Explore the different teaching and learning strategies that can be adopted to encourage the development of confidence
• Equip staff with the knowledge and skills required to train staff in their own organisation in the use of the catching confidence process.

The trainers have been involved with the research and are staff members
of NIACE.

Delegate fee: £88 (including lunch and packs of materials)’

For more information and to apply please see the NIACE website

or contact NIACE Conferences and Courses Team

on 0116 285 9661

or email courses@niace.org.uk