Learning Methodology

A careful blend of methodologies give our programmes a unique flavour.

In our programme development we place a huge emphasis on learning methodology. Our methodology rests on four pillars:

1. Full engagement

We believe that there is a big difference between interactive training, where people contribute their ideas and opinions, and engaged learning. When participants are actively engaged, they experience relevance and value and derive enjoyment from being part of the process - they throw themselves wholeheartedly into the learning experience. This is the kind of learning that we create. Through a stimulating blend of right and left brain learning techniques and experiential learning activities, we engage people with different learning styles on three levels: emotional, physical and mental. Our participants generate information instead of merely consuming it.

2. Metaphor

We make extensive use of creative metaphor to present concepts in a fresh, new way. Metaphor makes it easier for people to grasp and remember new concepts that otherwise may seems ‘difficult’ or abstract. This is of particular value when presenting training to learners with an educational backlog or for groups that are diverse in culture and language. Metaphor also creates a common language amongst people, which is of particular value when establishing a new culture or communicating values or strategies in an organisation.

3. Imagery

Numerous studies found that images are more potent from a learning point of view than words alone. Images enhance understanding and cement learning into the long-term memory. We therefore make extensive use of stories and pictures to help participants understand, unpack and remember important concepts.

4. Outstandingness

Brain research tells us that the brain easily shuts off when it is faced with something it perceives as routine or mundane. We therefore take great care to make our programmes novel and fresh so that attention and interest are maintained throughout. Our training is never run of the mill.

Feedback

"More and more I come to learn how amazing FTG's methodology is, in comparison to others I am exposed to from time to time. So much so that I doubt I will ever experience any better."
Fergus Samaai, HR Manager (Secondment), Retail Operations Group: Woolworths Canal Walk

“Alinda is the master of metaphor.”
Stanley Arumugam, International Director, ActionAid

“Your approach was very good and the content covered facilitated self-reflection and appropriate engagement. I must also commend you for establishing an excellent rapport with the staff in a very short space of time. You interpreted the brief very well. I hope to build on the awareness and positive energy created thus far. Thank you again for your contribution. It was a pleasure working with you.”
Dr. Ingrid Miller, Registrar, University of the Western Cape

“Free To Grow played a pivotal role in the conceptualization of the project implementation plan, the management of the project implementation activities and the execution of the objectives of the project. Extensive and high quality training materials were produced by the specialists. The extent of training materials and project progress reports by far surpassed the requirements set by the DBSA. In the monitoring of the implementation of the project, the DBSA project team became deeply aware of the contextual understanding that the Free To Grow specialists had of the San communities of Platfontein, and hence, their abilities to present programmes in ways that were highly appropriate and deeply empowering.”
Johan Kellerman, Senior Social Analyst, Development Bank of South Africa

“The approach used by the facilitators during the four days with us was very innovative and exciting and the outcome was fabulous! The process was well planned without being static and followed a thought process that well suited our needs. The tools and the processes used by Free To Grow are very down to earth but at the same time very thought provoking. The staff opened up, relaxed and really listened to each other which was what we really needed. The outcome was a much more trusting and invigorated staff and office and that feeling is still there after 6 months!”
Lotta Sylwander, Country Representative, UNICEF Zambia