The Dutch piloting phase was implemented in adult education and community learning settings working with vulnerable adult learners, including:

• Migrants and newly arrived residents

• Adults with low literacy levels

• Long-term unemployed individuals

• Adults re-entering education

• Participants navigating civic integration processes

The groups represented diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, and educational experiences. For many participants, prior schooling had been associated with stress, exclusion, or limited success. This made inclusive, non-text-based learning approaches particularly relevant.

Within the current Dutch social context, adaptability has become a critical transversal skill — essential for employment, integration, and civic participation. For this reason, adaptability was embedded across all sessions rather than addressed as a standalone topic.

Skills Development Focus

The pilot targeted key soft skills:

• Communication in multicultural environments

• Teamwork and shared responsibility

• Problem-solving in real-life civic contexts

• Emotional intelligence

• Adaptability in changing environments

Special attention was given to intercultural misunderstandings. Through visual mapping, participants explored assumptions, analysed communication breakdowns, and identified alternative responses.

As one learner reflected:

“When we draw it together, it feels easier to understand each other.”

Implementation Approach

Over six weeks, educators implemented the Visual Methodology Mastery Kit (v1) alongside selected modules from the SkillsVista Platform, including:

• Scenario-based simulations

• Soft skills challenges

• Structured visual reflection exercises

Sessions were held bi-weekly and lasted approximately 90 minutes.

Rather than relying on written explanations, educators used visual prompts to initiate dialogue. Learners first mapped situations visually, then discussed them verbally. This reduced pressure, especially for participants with limited Dutch language proficiency.

Visual Tools Applied

The pilot incorporated a range of structured visual instruments:

• Communication ecosystem maps

• Intercultural misunderstanding diagrams

• Emotional reaction wheels

• Workplace hierarchy maps

• Adaptability ladders

• Problem-solving flowcharts

Collaborative drawing played a central role. Instead of completing individual worksheets, participants co-created large visual posters illustrating communication patterns, conflict pathways, and behavioural options. This collective process strengthened engagement and shared ownership of learning.

Educator Development

Prior to the pilot, most educators had theoretical knowledge of visual pedagogy but limited practical experience applying structured visual methodologies.

After six weeks:

• Confidence in using visual tools increased significantly

• Materials were adapted more effectively to varying literacy levels

• Visual thinking evolved from a supplementary aid into a core facilitation method

• Group discussions became more balanced and inclusive

Educators noted that visual structures reduced reliance on verbal explanations and created more equal participation across language levels.

Learner Outcomes

Self-assessments indicated consistent improvement across all targeted soft skills.

Participants reported:

• Greater clarity in expressing ideas

• Increased confidence in collaborative tasks

• More structured approaches to problem-solving

• Improved emotional awareness

• Increased flexibility in unfamiliar situations

One participant shared:

“Pictures helped when I didn’t have the right words.”

Another added:

“I now think about different ways to react instead of only one.”

Educators observed:

• High engagement, particularly during collaborative visual tasks

• Increased participation from typically quieter learners

• Longer sustained attention during scenario discussions

• Greater willingness to reflect on behaviour

Initial hesitation about drawing or creativity disappeared after the first sessions. Visual thinking became normalised as part of the learning culture.

Challenges and Insights

Some challenges emerged:

• Time constraints

• Varied levels of digital literacy

• The need for more locally contextualised scenarios

However, these were manageable and provided valuable direction for further refinement.

Inclusion Impact

One of the most significant outcomes of the Dutch pilot was the inclusive nature of visual methodology.

Visual approaches:

✔ Reduced language barriers
✔ Supported learners with low literacy
✔ Encouraged intercultural dialogue
✔ Lowered participation anxiety
✔ Made abstract concepts tangible

Rather than privileging confident speakers or fast processors, visual tasks created space for multiple forms of expression, ensuring more equitable participation across diverse learner groups.