Associazione Eduimpact Italy

Topic / Theme

Strengthening essential soft skills for adult learners to improve communication, collaboration, adaptability, emotional intelligence and problem-solving. The course supports educators and trainers in integrating practical, learner-centred approaches that enhance personal effectiveness, employability and lifelong learning.

Sending partners

Educational organisations involved in formal, non-formal and informal learning: adult education centres, VET providers, training organisations, NGOs, community learning centres, resource centres and other institutions active in the adult education field, established in Erasmus+ programme countries.

Participants

20–25 adults involved in education and training.

Course fee

According to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide: 80 EUR per participant per training day, including course preparation, training delivery, training materials, organisational and administrative costs, and 24-hour emergency support during the mobility.

Trainers

A multinational team of trainers from Portugal, Romania, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Poland, experienced in Erasmus+ training and international education, including collaboration with SALTO and training activities delivered in more than 15 European countries.

Languages used

Working language: English.
Training materials are provided in English. Upon request, support or materials may be available in Spanish or French, depending on the group composition.

Profile of the participants

The course is designed for adult educators, trainers, career counsellors and staff working in organisations that support adult learning and professional development.

Participants:

  • Work with adult learners from diverse social, educational or professional backgrounds
  • May have previous experience or be beginners in soft skills training
  • Are interested in improving learners’ employability, motivation and personal development
  • Are willing to actively engage in experiential learning, role-play and group activities
  • Are open to intercultural learning and exchange of practices
  • Are motivated to implement soft skills training and to engage in preparatory and follow-up activities
  • Aim to strengthen the European dimension of their organisation

Objectives

  • Identify key soft skills needed for adult learners in personal and professional contexts
  • Develop practical methods to teach communication, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Strengthen emotional intelligence, self-awareness and resilience
  • Support adult learners’ confidence, motivation and adaptability
  • Use experiential and non-formal learning approaches suitable for adult education
  • Design soft skills learning activities linked to real-life situations
  • Develop an implementation plan for training programmes or learning pathways

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Facilitate activities that develop communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills
  • Apply experiential methods such as simulations, role-play and reflective practice
  • Support adult learners in goal setting, self-reflection and personal development
  • Design learning scenarios that build problem-solving, decision-making and adaptability
  • Integrate emotional intelligence and stress management techniques into training
  • Create learner-centred environments that increase engagement and confidence
  • Develop and present a soft skills training module adapted to their context
  • Plan follow-up, evaluation and dissemination activities to ensure sustainable impact

Daily Programme

Day 1 – Understanding soft skills in adult learning

  • Introductions, expectations and group-building activities
  • What are soft skills and why they matter for employability and lifelong learning
  • Self-assessment: participants’ and learners’ soft skill needs
  • Adult learning principles and motivation factors
  • Reflection: challenges in developing soft skills with adults

Day 2 – Communication and interpersonal skills

  • Active listening and effective communication techniques
  • Assertiveness and constructive feedback
  • Non-verbal communication awareness
  • Role-play: workplace and real-life communication scenarios
  • Reflection and peer feedback

Day 3 – Emotional intelligence and resilience

  • Understanding emotions and emotional regulation
  • Stress management and coping strategies
  • Building confidence and growth mindset
  • Empathy and relationship-building activities
  • Case studies from adult learning contexts

Day 4 – Teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability

  • Collaborative learning and group dynamics
  • Decision-making and problem-solving techniques
  • Creativity and flexible thinking exercises
  • Simulations based on workplace or life situations
  • Group task: designing a soft skills learning activity

Day 5 – Transfer and sustainability

  • Presentation of training activities or modules
  • Developing implementation plans for courses or programmes
  • Evaluating soft skills development and learning impact
  • Strategies for integration into organisational practice
  • Course evaluation, certification and closing reflection