How knowledge can be transmitted more sustainably

How to achieve the sustainable use of competencies 

Sustainable development with an impact-orientated approach also requires to design, implement and follow-up continuing education measures that have a lasting sustainable effect. That for, the following principles for a sustainable knowledge transfer need to be taken into account and adapted for this learning process:

  1. If you want sustainability (of this learning process), you must make it your goal!
  2. Everyone’s perspective must be broadened to include the period after the training measure.
  3. New roles are necessary – the personal responsibility of the participants is strengthened, superiors from their organisations are involved (if possible) and the trainer becomes a process facilitator
  4. The facilitator must awaken a basic willingness to learn and change in the participants and the organisation
  5. The trainer must be authentic and professional in order to be accepted as a person.
  6. Learning should be fun – this requires an appreciative attitude and an atmosphere in which everyone feels comfortable!
  7. The content conveyed must be relevant to the participants; everyone must be able to derive personal benefit from it.
  8. No standard procedures – every learning and counselling process must capture the participant in his or her entire personality
  9. The content must be adapted to the system and environment of the participants – everyday practice and training are interlinked!
  10. Methodology and didactics 1: Focus on the essentials!
  11. Methodology and didactics 2: Learning is not a passive matter of the head
  12. Methodology and didactics 3: The participants must be enabled to reflect and change their own behaviour independently. The question of the independent “how” of the imparted content becomes an integral part of the training.
  13. Without energy, commitment and a lot of time to try things out, even after the training, it will not work!
  14. Binding implementation plans and incentives for the time after the measure are necessary!
  15. The participants must be given comprehensive support during the practical implementation.

Source: Keller, Evelyne. Nachhaltigkeit in Beratung und Training. 2013.