Background
From 1993 until 1999, Karl-Heinz Finke and Coenraad van Houten conducted several Adult Education and Social Development courses, mainly in Berlin. Coenraad’s approach, based on NPI and Centre for Social Development work, became the teaching methodology used in Courses and Trainings offered by Holistic Biography Work. At the core are the 7-Learning Processes and Experiential Learning, engaging head, hard and hand.
Holistic Adult Learning can be applied in designing and running workshops, courses, trainings and even one-to-one client work. Children and young people start learning by imitation. For adult learners, individualisation is paramount, and learning processes must be designed accordingly.
The courses are available either as Learning Packs only, or with online facilitated group-work sessions in small groups of 3 to 5 participants.
Each year a different course is offered –
- Awakening the Will to Learn: Holistic Adult Learning (2026 and 2029)
- Designing Integrated Programs: Learning for Head, Heart & Hands (2025 and 2027)
- Guiding Groups: Creating and Holding an Open Space (2026 and 2028)
Each Holistic Adult Learning course comes with a comprehensive Learning Pack:
Study Guide, video Lectures, suggested Reading and activities.
Supported by optional online sessions over 4 days: Thursday to Sunday.
ADL-70 (Core Skills, Practices and Principles) is part of each of these 3 modules
The 3 modules explore the underlying theory and methodology for educators to work with adult learners.
Each module is self-contained. They may be completed in any order.
Trainers Karl-Heinz Finke, assisted by Laura Summerfield and colleagues in Holistic Biography Work.
