Many of us learn through stories—in fact, some of our best learning moments stay long in our memories because we experienced them through a story shared by a friend, a teacher or a favorite relative.  Learning Conversations are stories.  They are short parables with many correct answers.  They prompt discussion and inspire action.  Currently, the Lifeskills Series’ Learning Conversations cover these topics:

• Greatest Hits 1.2—Solve Village Problems, Promote Peace and Civil Society, Link to Rights and Resources
• Increase Savings
• Increase Income
• HIV/AIDS
• Malaria

Features

For each Learning Conversation topic, there is a collection of Learning Conversation Guides that can be facilitated in any order by field staff or group members themselves.  Each Learning Conversation Guide is just two to three pages, yet contains all the necessary information to facilitate the 30-minute conversation:  objectives, preparation, and steps. Typically, group members hear two stories about a specific problem and discuss possible solutions.  Then, they discuss how to apply the solutions to similar problems faced by their own members.  At the end of the discussion, members are encouraged to make a commitment to action.

More than addressing any one specific issue, however, Learning Conversations provide the group with a problem-solving process that allows members to explore any issue they choose to address.  The process of identifying a problem or issue of concern, reflecting on its causes and consequences, considering possible solutions and motivating to action can be applied to whatever question is brought to or raised by the group.  Members own the process and, thus, employ it to address evolving needs and concerns specific to their local context and experience.  Because of the simplicity, flexibility, and replicability of the Learning Conversation methodology, it is an excellent tool for implementing organizations seeking to support their clients in behavior change.