The impacts of learning environments and training methodology on civil service professional development and local community building

The purpose of the presentation is to present a holistic and systemic approach to the learning environments by providing a multidisciplinary interpretation of the concept as a complex framework for the adult learning... [ view full abstract ]

The purpose of the presentation is to present a holistic and systemic approach to the learning environments by providing a multidisciplinary interpretation of the concept as a complex framework for the adult learning experience with special regard to professional development training i.e. non-formal learning in the civil service and the connected local community related aspects. By providing a theoretical analysis of the multi-dimensional context of learning environments, the presentation seeks to identify those innovative aspects that exert the most powerful influence on the impacts learning environments have on significant learning.
The underlying reasoning is based on empirical evidence and a wide ranging practical experience of the author in civil service training as a trainer and researcher. The theoretical framework model is applied to concrete case studies relying on empirical evidence accumulated in the course of training civil servants and/or citizens in the field of Integrity Management on the one hand and in Community-Based Strategy Development on the other. Both topic areas were systematically addressed by two nationwide projects implemented by the National University of Public Service in Hungary 2013-2016, which serve as the source of empirical data for the presentation.
The different target groups and the diverging training content are connected to adult training by the common platform of the comprehensive methodological approach training based on the assumption that the active involvement of participants in the learning process is the key both to the internalization of knowledge and to the changes of attitudes.
The presentation explores the interrelationship and the internal dynamics between the methods and techniques that can be used for the purposes of interactive learner-centered adult training and local community building. The analysis is focusing on the methodological aspects of the implementation, the nature and the characteristics of the interaction among the players involved in the learning process. The examined cases demonstrate examples of a well-functioning and mutually beneficial partnership between a university located in the capital city of Hungary, the county government offices, and the participating small local communities in different regions of the country.
Another important aspect of the presentation is the overview of the possible benchmarking opportunities in order to spread local experiences in a wider circle of relevant stakeholders. The practical examples prove that the boundaries of learning have extended far beyond the traditional educational institutions and organizational solutions. The study points out how all these factors can facilitate and strengthen positive attitudes to life-long and life-wide learning opportunities regardless of differences in educational background or social status of the potential target audience, as well as the meaningful engagement of citizens in local decision-making.