The goal of this project was to clarify both theoretically and in practice how action methods can best be used to enhance sociometric potential of social relations in adult learning groups both online and onsite. We aimed to formulate the concept, develop and pilot the training for this, and measure the efficacy. The project had 3 main objectives: 1. To identify theoretical and methodological connections between adult education theories and practices, especially those of experiential learning by Kolb and Mezirow, and action methods based on psychodrama, sociodrama and sociometry, and to formulate a joint concept of action methods based on adult learning process in groups. 2. To clarify professional group leading competencies needed for the new joint concept (both online and offline); and creating the training programme for developing them. The training programme will include trainers’ manual and materials. 3. To carry out these trainings in several areas of adult learning and studying the efficacy. The participants are able to better develop relationships in their learning groups (both online and offline) and as the result the concept and the training programme (incl. the manual and materials) will be supplemented.
Adult education has traditionally focused more on the individual, and the use of the learning group has been undervalued. Good social relations can activate creativity, and thus support adult learning in a new way. Adult educators should have the competencies needed to enhance these relations purposefully in learning groups. The 6 psychodrama training organisations of Nordic and Baltic countries have the practical competencies of developing group relationships – how to keep the educator and the group living and flexible, how to use creativity in the group for learning. The training methods and processes are well established in practice, but the theoretical basis needs to be systematically described both for psychodrama training and for action methods in adult education generally. During the pandemic, it became a concrete challenge how to support adult learning using group relations on effective ways in online training events and processes in universities and other adult training institutions. Both adult educators and learners need more flexibility and openness for using social relations in groups as fertilisers of individual learning onsite and online.