We aimed to enhance the competencies of our staff and teachers in engaging and teaching different target groups. Our long-term goal is to be able to meet the needs of various target groups (e.g. new immigrants, the elderly) in a timely manner by planning new courses, using appropriate teaching methods, structuring the teaching accordingly, evaluating results, and thus continuously improving the entire learning process. For instance, maintaining a high methodological level of teaching Estonian to immigrants (as e.g. German is taught to immigrants in Germany), which is particularly relevant given the current geopolitical situation. We also aimed, through project activities, to offer participants development opportunities to ensure even better quality in all forms of teaching, including web-based teaching – e.g.creating curricula for (online) courses, constructively using digital solutions to motivate the learner and support teachers, and thus enhancing the entire study process. In addition to developing specific competencies, we wanted to emphasize the value of non-formal education and set inspiring future goals.
Tartu Rahvaülikool (Tartu Folk High School, henceforth TFHS) aims to implement the idea of lifelong learning to contribute to the cohesion of society and welcomes adults of all ages. Today TFHS is the biggest independent training centre in South Estonia. We offer a wide range of courses to support our learners' professional as well as personal development. TFHS is a modern, professional adult training centre that promotes high-quality continuing education to meet the needs of adult learners. TFHS is also tasked with responding to regional civic needs, which in the current context is the tuition of the official language of the country - Estonian - to refugees and asylum seekers. Each year TFHS teaches approximately 6000 students and 700 study groups. The current project entitled "Involvement of Different Target Groups and High-quality (web-based) Studies in Folk High School" stemmed from the need to organise in-service training for the staff and teachers to acquire new knowledge and experience regarding two major topic areas: firstly, improved competences of the staff in reaching out to and teaching different target groups and, secondly, improved competences of the staff in ensuring the quality of the courses taught.