Network for Trainers in Europe History and Future Perspectives

Dr. Simone KirpalUniversity of Bremen, Germany

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Structure of the presentaion

1. History and contextual background

2. Structure and goals of the Network

3. Network activities

4. Conclusions

5. Outlook

6. Introduction to the Conference

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Teachers and Trainers in VET

Political priority set by the European ministers for VET in Copenhagen (2002) and reinforced in Maastricht (2004) and Helsinki (2006)

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Maastricht Communiqué (2004)

Identify the specific learning needs and changing roles of trainers in VET

Identify possibilities to make the training profession more attractive

Support the continuing up-dating of skills, knowledge and competences of trainers

Enhance the support structures for VET trainers

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Contextual Background

Trainers and VET professionals as new target group in EU LLL policies

Several studies and initiatives to identify the situation and needs of trainers Gather data and information

Support structures for VET trainers (professional development)

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Studies indicate that The area of VET trainers is underresearched

Training professions lack recognition and incentives

Trainers‘ competence profiles need to include a broader range of pedagogical, social and management competences

Trainers in SMEs are particularly disadvantaged

The training methods that trainers apply require innovation

The continuing professional development of trainers needs to be strengthened if they are to assume a stragetic role in knowledge-based economies

Trainers roles‘ are shifting from instructor towards learning counsellor, coach or facilitator

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Network for Trainers

funded under LdV Network strand Duration: 11/2007 – 11/2010 Project consortium:

Group of international partners

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Network‘s objectives

Develop a European perspective on the situation and professional development of VET trainers

Generate information: compile but also generate new data, information and materials on trainers in Europe

To support national reform processes Facilitate mutual exchange, learning and

communication among different stakeholder groups Foster the political dialogue to identify strategies for

improving the situation of trainers Innovation: pilot innovative e-features for knowledge

sharing and dissemination in the area of trainers

Network approach Enforce collaboration between the network

and other initiatives/projects that have VET trainers as a target group

Introduce and implement innovative e-tools for exchange between the network members (skype & flashmeetings for project monitoring)

‘Bottom-up approach’ to effectively involve stakeholders down to the level of training practitioners

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Network activities

1. Activities at the national levelEstablish national networks of training institutions & practitioners in different countries/country cluster

2. Activities at the international level Web-based platform 2 joint network activities (research and policy) 2 international e-conferences Global Conference

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Network Platform Linking information, initiatives and people Exchange and knowledge sharing Community building Documentation of research and training

practice Support new e-learning tools

Issues: Target group (main users are researchers &

professional trainers) Community building is difficult

Network Activities

1st NW activity: data gathering Survey with about 800 training practitioners

covering 18 European languages/28 countries

2nd NW activity: policies & programming European perspectives/national case studies on

qualification standards for trainers and their PDBook: „National Pathways and European Dimensions of

Trainers‘ Professional Development“

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17/06/2009 Simone Kirpal 13

1st e-conference (11/2008)

“Training of Trainers”Themes The changing role of trainers in learning Professional development of trainers Work-based learning E-learning

Exhibition Marketplace Targeted at training practitioners Featuring a multi-lingual exhibition area with

examples of good practice

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2nd E-conference (11/2009)

“Innovations in Training Practice”Themes Innovations in work-based learning Innovations in company-based training ICT for innovations in training practice Equality and diversity in training practice:

recognising socially-disadvantaged groups

Why this format???

Replication, costs, innovation, community building effect

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Conclusions Network activity I & II have had the greatest impact on

fostering collaboration among network partners

E-conferences have had the greatest impact on the community building process at international level

National trainer networks vary greatly concerning activities and commitment

The platform is not being used to its full potentials

Involving training practitioners remains a key concern

Future perspectives need to be developed

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Impact on community building

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Global Conference“Crossing Boundaries: The multiple roles of

trainers and teachers in VET”

Rationale: Face-to-face meeting for network members Provide a forum for wider exchange Pilot innovative session formats Develop a perspective for the future

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THANK YOU