This document discusses capacity development and learning. It notes there is confusion around the definition of capacity development, with some seeing it as teaching skills, strengthening institutions, or focusing on education and training, while others take a broader view of improving individual rights and access. The document defines capacity development as "an activity that brings about transformation that is generated and sustained over time from within." Learning is defined as acquiring new knowledge through instruction or experience, or modifying existing knowledge, behaviors, or preferences. The document outlines next steps of discussing terms in breakout groups and presenting definitions to the larger group, and considering if changes are needed to approaches based on the discussions.
3. What are OUR understandings and definitions?
What does it mean to us and our fields of
expertise?
Session Outcome
4. Capacity Development
Taken from Capacity Development: A UNDP primer
“Confusion around the term seems to have grown along
with its popularity. For some, capacity development can
be any effort to teach someone to do something, or to do
it better. For others, it may be about creating new
institutions or strengthening old ones. Some see capacity
development as a focus on education and training, while
others take a broad view of it as improving individual
rights, access or freedoms.” page 4
“An activity that brings about transformation that is
generated and sustained over time from within. “
An activity that leads to change Page 5
5. Learning is the process of acquiring new or modifying existing
knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences. Wikipedia
The act or experience of one that learns.
Knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study
Modification of a behavioral tendency by experience
Merriam Webster
Learning
6. Next steps
• Choose one term and join the Whiteboard with
that term.
• Elect a facilitator/writer and presenter.
• Discuss the term and note what elements are
important.
• Present to the group at large.
Welcome.This session looks at what the two terms mean to US, the participants of this conference and advocates of learning or capacity development in our respective organisations.Could you please all indicate by show of hands, who is a learning practitioner or in learning? And who is a capacity development practitioner or in that area? Equal/unequalYour opinion – is there a difference? Take the yes answerThe reason for this session is that it seems that there is a difference between learning and capacity development, however it does not seem to be well defined and often used interchangeably. And often different participants/practitioners have a very different interpretation and views of the terms. Hopefully we can clarify this together.
These are the two main questions I would like for us to look at and discuss, arriving at an idea or answer at least – the time for the session is one hour, not too much time, but it should suffice to at least gain some clarity.To start, I would like to give definitions for the two terms – not necessarily the ultimate definitions, but something that can shape, guide and question our thinking.We will then take the term of Capacity Development and Learning and form groups around these in front of the two whiteboards that are set up at either side of the room.Opt a facilitator and presenter in and discuss the terms, using the whiteboard for your notes.Present to the group at large.By show of hands - is there agreement with the understanding?
What does that mean for US, as practitioners of these, do we need to rethink or re-educate?
I will read out the definition on Capacity Development – remember, we are just reading it at present as an idea, not debating this definition, but to check, if it resonates with our own understanding.
The definition on learning is purposefully broad - most here will have much better definitions, that should be discussed in your group. The definition only serves as a push to get the ball rolling
Lets split into groups, please, I will leave this slide on the screen, as a reminder. 15mins for discussion, please, max 5 mins for presentation.
If these are the definitions of capacity development and training, what does that mean to us in our daily work?Do we have to rethink or change our approach?Will there always be a differentiation? Do you prefer to work in groups, or shall we collect points here on the screen?