Learning Methodology
Collaborative, psychologically safe learning environments
Our educational approach is grounded in social constructivism, which recognises that knowledge is co-constructed through social interaction and collaboration. We create a psychologically safe and supportive learning environment that encourages participants from a wide range of backgrounds, industries and organisations to share their experiences and learn from one another.
Applied learning for real-world impact
Our programs deliver practical learning outcomes designed to be immediately applicable within a professional environment. We prioritise inquiry-based and problem-based learning approaches to empower participants to become active learners and critical thinkers. Through authentic and real-world challenges, students engage in inquiry and exploration, developing their problem-solving skills and deepening their understanding of complex concepts.
Fostering powerful connections
We foster communities of practice within our learning environment, where students, educators, and experts come together to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. These communities provide a supportive and engaging space for learners to collaborate, exchange ideas, and collectively solve problems. By participating in these communities, learners build meaningful connections, develop a sense of belonging and benefit from shared expertise.
Our Learning Design Framework
The Women & Leadership New Zealand Learning Design Framework is influenced by social constructivism, communities of practice, problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning.
Social Constructivism
Our educational approach is grounded in social constructivism, which recognises that knowledge is co-constructed through social interaction and collaboration. By building a psychologically safe and supportive learning environment, participants from a wide range of backgrounds, industries and organisations are encouraged to share their experiences and learn from one another.
Communities of Practice
We believe that learning is not a solitary endeavour but rather a process that occurs within communities of practice where individuals actively engage with one another to construct meaning and understanding. We foster communities of practice within our learning environment, where students, educators, and experts come together to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. These communities provide a supportive and engaging space for learners to collaborate, exchange ideas, and collectively solve problems. By participating in these communities, learners develop a sense of belonging and identity as they contribute to and benefit from the shared expertise of the group.
Inquiry-Based and Problem-Based Learning
We prioritise inquiry-based and problem-based learning approaches to empower participants to become active learners and critical thinkers. Through authentic and real-world challenges, students engage in inquiry and exploration, developing their problem-solving skills and deepening their understanding of complex concepts. This approach not only promotes active engagement but also encourages participants to take ownership of their learning, fostering a sense of curiosity, autonomy, and lifelong learning.
Impactive Learning Model
Our evidence-based Impactive Learning Model draws together the critical elements of connection, communities of practice, guided exploration, facilitated investigation and real-world application to deliver a high-impact learning experience. We have strengthened and refined this model over many years and use it extensively in our leadership programs to ensure our high-quality programs meet the current and emerging needs of diverse leaders.
An Exceptional Learning Experience
Personalised participant support
Our team of Program Delivery Coordinators provide market-leading participant support for our program participants. Our high-touch engagement model ensures each participant benefits from the best possible experience, and remains engaged and supported throughout their learning journey.
Interactive online learning portal
Our online learning portal delivers integrated, multi layered learning, accessible from any desktop or mobile device. Simple and accessible to use, the online learning portal includes high quality video tutorials, self-paced learning modules, interactive discussion boards and more.
Expertly facilitated inclusive spaces
Highly-experienced facilitators engage participants in an interactive learning environment, ensuring psychological safety, diverse perspectives and inclusive practices remain central to the program experience.
Accessible from anywhere in New Zealand
Online learning, supported by our comprehensive learning management system, reduces the time and cost of accessing our programs, and allows participants to learn with us from anywhere in New Zealand.
Program Quality and Evaluation
We undertake regular program reviews to ensure we are delivering an exceptional experience that meets the current and emerging needs of our participants and clients. Our program reviews consider participant feedback on module content and facilitation, insights from our facilitators and internal stakeholders, and market research. We value feedback from our participants, and each of our programs involves participant self-assessment. Administered at the start and end of the program, these assessments enable participants to assess their self-confidence and capabilities as a leader and measure how their learning over the program has impacted their leadership practice.