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Doing Research on the Core Capacities

This training course has been uniquely crafted to bridge the gap between foundational skills development and the forefront of childhood development research. The course delves into the research and methodological foundations of children’s core capacities and competences, drawing upon the vast research expertise and scholarly contributions of our experts.

Centred on research applicability and methodology, the course focuses on the innate human abilities—or ‘core capacities’—that facilitate children’s comprehension and interaction with their surroundings. Participants are immersed in the conceptual and methodological processes of investigating these capacities, regarded as the cornerstone of life skills that empower a child’s ability to thrive.

The course not only offers comprehensive training in research methodology relevant to studying children’s core capacities, but also demonstrates its practical and policy applications in various contexts and settings. Participants therefore learn how to effectively conceptualise, measure, and pragmatically apply insights from core capacity development research.

Scope​

The course concentrates its efforts on deepening the methodological and conceptual dialogue on children’s core capacities and amplifying their significance for policy-making. The emphasis is on research and practical applications.

Participants engage in an in-depth exploration of the set of nine core capacities: ‘Discerning Patterns’, ‘Embodying’, ‘Empathising’, ‘Inquiring’, ‘Listening’, ‘Observing’, ‘Reflecting’, ‘Relaxing’, and ‘Sensing’. They examine how these core capacities blend mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions, within a holistic, child-centric development framework. They learn how to conceptualise and measure these core skills, and integrate them into policy and practice.

  • Core Capacities Framework: Participants delve into the foundational frameworks that underpin the development of core capacities, and children’s skills enhancement throughout their life course. The course underscores the integration of the nine core capacities into the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions that are pivotal for children’s holistic development. By exploring these frameworks, participants gain insights into the comprehensive nature of core capacities and their essential role in fostering well-rounded growth.
  • Core Capacities Research Methodology: This course presents participants with a comprehensive exploration of the research methodologies used for conceptualising, measuring, and analysing core capacities, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. The course consists of lectures, practical exercises, and group work opportunities aimed at perfecting essential research techniques, and is customisable to different contexts. The objective is to cultivate expertise in the specialised tools and methodologies fundamental to core capacity research, thereby allowing participants to undertake independent research and studies.
  •  Application of Core Capacities in Policy and Practice: Participants explore how the insights gained from core capacity research can significantly impact policy decisions and practical implementations, ultimately contributing to more effective and holistic child development strategies. The course focuses on translating the core capacities research into actionable strategies and programmes, and addresses the application of findings in diverse environments. It includes forums and discussions on implementing core capacities within educational frameworks, childcare settings, and covers policy development and programme creation.

Upon completion, participants will:

  • Possess a deep understanding of children’s core capacities and their importance in holistic child development
  • Have gained practical knowledge on how to integrate these concepts into various domains, such as education systems, childcare, and policy initiatives
  • Have a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge research methodologies that can be applied to conceptualise, measure and study children’s core capacities
  • Be adept at applying these methodologies in order to conduct empirical research that contributes valuable knowledge and practice
  • Possess the skills to integrate research findings into practical applications across various domains, enhancing the quality of educational and developmental programmes
  • Be equipped to lead and contribute to scholarly discussions on the holistic development of children, informed by the latest research insights.

This course is designed for academics, practitioners, and others working in schools, universities, research institutes, the public sector, international organisations and non-governmental organisations, who are keen to gain expertise in research on core capacities and its practical applications for child development. It is particularly valuable to those seeking to integrate a research dimension into their work, inspired by the latest scientific and methodological evidence on core capacities.

The course is offered onsite for groups, with a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 15 participants. The number of course participants can be adapted on demand to accommodate specific needs and groups. Standard onsite courses run for a week. Exact dates are flexible and decided on a basis of demand.

The courses will be held on-site in:

  • Brussels, Belgium, in May/June 2025.
  • New York/Washington, United States, in September 2025.
  • Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2025.
  • Mexico City, Mexico, in January 2026.

If you book as a group, we can come to you!

Remote courses are offered to groups and individuals, and are self-paced. Participants receive pre-recorded lectures, assignments, and interactive tutoring sessions with our experts.

Onsite: €2,000.

This fee covers all course materials, lectures, and the certificate upon completion. It does not cover subsistence or accommodation costs.

Online: € 900.

This fee covers full access to all course materials, interactive lessons, and the certificate upon completion.

For groups of 10 or more participants, we offer preferential rates. Please contact us for more information.

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Research on the Core Capacities Course
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RSIN: 865557160

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Juliana Zapata

Research Consultant

Juliana undertakes the project design and implementation of research projects focused on the well-being of children and their learning. She has comprehensive experience in international organisations, working on education projects focused on a range of policy issues including early childhood development, private education, equity and quality in schools, physical education, and sport for development.