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New Horizons - CPD for CMETB Adult Education
Start date: Jun 1, 2016, End date: May 31, 2018 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Cavan and Monaghan VEC merged in July 2013 to form Cavan Monaghan Eduacation and Training Boards, in doing so merging two distinct Adult Literacy and Community Education services. In the intervening periods, there have been changes in Senior Management within the newly formed ETB and while certain operational systems did integrate to a certain degree in the intervening period, the past 12 months have seen a period of huge change in terms of staff structures, operations, service delivery, and changes in provision. In November 2015 CMETB Adult Education Services conducted a consultation process with staff and learners regarding the development of a Strategic Plan 2016-2012. The consultation was carried our by way of an online questionnaire, which was designed to allow the services capture suggested areas for improvement, as well as models of best practice across a range of areas including, teaching and learning, supports to learners/ staff, facilities etc. Following completion of the consultation process with staff and learners, the Adult Education management team met to review the responses received and to identify key priorities for the Adult Education Service for the next 5 years. Two of the priorities identified related to the area of staff development:Priority1. Maximise the usage and potential of technology in both programme delivery and assessment by means of interactive technology, blended learning, e-learning and e-portfolios.Priority 2. Work to provide additional supports to part time tutors, including CPD and team building opportunities, and strengthen collegiality amongst this important core group of CMETB staff. The aim of this mobility project is to try to address both of these priorities by providing staff with the opportunities to attend training courses that focus on these areas, to network with people working in similar services from other European countries, to gain an insight to what is being done elsewhere in terms of technology in the classroom, different approaches to basic education methodologies and strategies; and to bring these insights back to CMETB; to implement them into provision if appropriate, but also to initiate a change in thinking in terms of Continuous Professional Development. Tutors and staff are encouraged to critically reflect on their own practice, to continuously strive to improve and to move with the times. It is easy to become insular and complacent in the daily grind of teaching, paperwork and increasing workloads for tutors. It is difficult for tutors and staff to find the time to truly reflect and consider alternative approaches, this project will provide a starting point to support this kind of reflection. CMETB Adult Education Services consist of approximately 80 part time tutors who deliver in largely rural locations in Cavan and Monaghan. Under the planned project, staff and tutors from CMETB Adult Education Services, in groups of 4 will travel to attend 5 different training courses in Prague, London and Belfast and participate on 5 day courses. On their return tutors will conduct briefing workshops with their colleagues, outlining their experiences and their appraisal of the techniques used. In relation to the Priority 1 (of CMETB's adult education strategic plan), it is acknowledged that there is a gap between the level of ICT used in course delivery and assessment in basic education classes, compared to provision at the higher levels (QQI Level 5). The challenge of providing what learners need to negotiate a digital society requires that staff and tutors are prepared to challenge themselves to seek out and explore alternative and new resources and methodologies that reflect the level of technology that learners already engage with in everyday life. This will require training for all staff. Current technology used is limited to interactive white boards and IPADs. As a literacy focused service it is important that the provision is relevant and current. In relation to the Priority2, while there has been CPD provision offered, it has dealt primarily with preparing for assessment, First Aid, and Basic IT skills, it is envisaged that future CPD should and will: 1. Take a holistic approach2. Include a European dimension to CPD programming and design3. Provide quality and attractive opportunities for tutors and staff to broaden their horizons professionally and personally 4. Afford tutors and staff the time and opportunity to explore and experience different types of learning opportunities in different countries.5. Invigorate and encourage experienced staff to consider new ways of doing things, and develop new skills 6. Guide and educate staff on the techniques and strategies utilized across Europe7. Become a central part of Provision, rather than an add on.8. Enhance the knowledge base of CMETB tutors9. Improve the teaching and learning experiences by creating environments most conducive to learning.
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