What is this course about?

The "Facilitating Learning: Online and In-Person + IFC-LPI TPMA Trainer Certification" course prepares trainers for effective facilitation of both in-person and live online training courses. It answers questions such as how to make effective and engaging introductions, content presentations, and conclusions, encourage learner participation, use effective communication techniques, and manage time and difficult classroom situations, either in a classroom or online environment. It will show participants how to turn lectures into interactive training experiences that maximize participants’ attention and accelerate learning. 

The course expands the concepts introduced in the Foundations of Learning course. 

What topics will be covered?

• Needs assessments
• Accelerated learning principles (ALPs)
• Learning styles
• Learning preferences
• The learning environment
• Learners’ hierarchy of needs
• The four phases of the learning cycle
• IFC - LPI Trainer Performance Monitoring and Assessment (TPMA) evaluation criteria
• Activities that maximize attention, replacing lectures with interactive content, and reviewing content
• Debriefing models
• Questioning techniques
• A model for giving constructive feedback
• Managing disruptive learner behaviors
• Handling objections
• Time management
• Effective equipment use
• Common and advanced web-conferencing features that make online training more engaging

What are the benefits of completing this program?

• This program will help trainers create an environment that keeps participants engaged and interested, makes learning easier, and builds their reputation as skilled trainers.
• It is conducted completely online, making it possible for trainers to learn in a physically distant way.
• It offers participants the opportunity to pass the assessment to qualify for the IFC-LPI TPMA trainer certification, which is valid for three years (there is no extra charge associated with the certification).

What are the prerequisites for participating in the program?

You must complete the Foundations of Learning and Finding Your Path for Facilitation courses (free of cost). The master trainers will explain these and other requirements during the information session on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

How is it offered?

This program includes 8 modules, spread over one month, for a total of 16 instructional hours. In between the sessions, participants will be expected to complete self-study work and participate in group exercises. Participants will also be required to submit videos of themselves facilitating a 5-minute and a 15-minute training segment using the techniques taught in the course.

• Introductory session. Saturday, August 30, 2:00-4:00 p.m. IST
• Session 1. Saturday, September 6, 2:00-4:00 p.m. IST
• Session 2. Wednesday, September 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. IST
• Session 3. Saturday, September 13, 2:00-4:00 p.m. IST
• Session 4. Wednesday, September 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m. IST
• Session 5. Saturday, September 20, 2:00-4:00 p.m. IST
• Session 6. Wednesday, September 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m. IST
• Session 7. Saturday, September 27, 2:00-4:00 p.m. IST
• Session 8. Wednesday, October 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. IST

Please check the corresponding time in your time zone.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes, participants will receive the certificate of completion of the "Facilitating Learning: Online and In-Person" course provided that they:

• Complete the prerequisite Foundations of Learning course,
• Attend at least 80% of the "Facilitating Learning: Online and In-Person" course, and
• Complete all course assignments.

They will also receive an LPI certification certificate and an IFC-LPI TPMA Trainer badge if they successfully pass the assessment.

Who will train me?

This training will be co-facilitated by Pratima Bhuthapuri and Shilpa Vasavada, IFC-certified master trainers in facilitating learning and assessors certified by IFC (the World Bank Group) and the Learning Performance Institute (LPI), UK.

Pratima is a development professional with 25 years of work experience in poverty reduction, rural livelihoods, training, and coaching programs. She is a seasoned program manager and team leader with extensive field expertise and strong communication skills. Pratima holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Delhi University and master's degrees in rural management (Institute of Rural Management Anand, India) and development management (University of Wales, UK). She is also an LPI-certified online designer and an ILO-certified trainer.

Shilpa is a seasoned gender specialist with over 30 years of experience in mainstreaming gender across institutions and programs. She has facilitated more than 3,150 hours of participatory training sessions, engaging diverse stakeholders on a wide range of topics. A passionate and skilled facilitator, Shilpa has also designed numerous participatory training modules tailored to various thematic areas. Her expertise includes gender analysis, strategic planning, capacity building, gender audits, and mentoring. She has collaborated extensively with civil society organizations, international NGOs, and CSR initiatives. A trained social scientist from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, Shilpa also contributes her leadership as a director and trustee on several development-focused boards.

What do other participants say about this course and the master trainers?

• "I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learned a whole new structured methodology and vocabulary for enhancing learning. I also learned a lot just by observing Shilpa's facilitation style. She willingly helped me learn the behind-the-scenes preparation for a professional outcome. The feedback she gave us during the class and personally helped me understand which areas I needed to work on. Her constant encouragement motivated me to try to do better. I am enthused to use the new learning and skills I have acquired in my work." (Kirtida)
• "Shilpa proved to be an exceptional master trainer, dedicated to ensuring a thorough understanding among all participants. Her commitment extended beyond the classroom; she was readily available whenever we needed assistance during or even after the course. The most valuable insight I gained was Shilpa's emphasis on integrating training concepts into our daily lives to become effective trainers. If you're looking to hone your training skills, I highly recommend the "Facilitating Learning: Online and In Person" course led by Shilpa Vasavada." (Sonal)
• "Pratima possesses excellent subject matter knowledge. Her in-depth understanding of the topic was evident as she effortlessly explained complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. Moreover, she has an incredible ability to engage and connect with the participants, and her training style is interactive, inclusive, and highly engaging. She constantly encouraged active participation and fostered a supportive learning environment where everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts and asking questions. She managed the training time effectively, ensuring that all key topics were covered thoroughly without feeling rushed. I highly recommend Pratima to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and engaging trainer who can deliver impactful learning experiences." (Kritika Kothari)
• "Ms. Pratima, you have been a great source of inspiration. Your soft communication skills, ability to create an interactive facilitation environment, sensible approach to relating yourself to the participants and contexts, never compromising firmness on the takeaways. All of these helped us learn and experience what it means to be a master trainer. Thank you, Pratima, for being so patient and accommodating in planning our learning hours and making our training experience carry long-lasting impressions on each of our styles of planning and delivering future training programs." (Ramadevi)

You can check out our other testimonials on Shilpa's and Pratima's profile pages (one on each page; please scroll down to read testimonials).

How do I make further inquiries?

For further clarifications and questions, kindly send an email to bpratima1@gmail.com or vasavada.shilpa@gmail.com.