The two objectives of the project were 1. Increased Learning from European partners in the area of inclusion and diversity and 2. Initiate interest and stimulus among staff for sustainable education. Objective 1 we were focusing on the area of foreign nationals as well as adult learners with disabilities. We wished to equip our staff to navigate the challenges of groups of learners with varying cultural backgrounds and experiences by selecting activities that would explore and offer strategies to overcome barriers to participation in our ESOL and mainstream programmes. Objective 2, our ETB is committed to supporting a Green agenda and have implemented changes in our centres that support the drive to reduce, reuse and recycle. The theme runs through certain programmes such as Horticulture, and Cookery but we are looking at more ways to incorporate the ideals and messages of sustainable education throughout our provision in a way that will incite and inspire learners own curiosity about the topics and the ways in which they can support it in their day to day lives. The first step to this goal is to ensure that staff are competent in the subject area by undertaking structured training through the project.
CMETB Adult Education Services have participated in previous ERASMUS projects focused on tutor /staff upskilling and training in the areas of TEL and English language teaching. These projects have impacted positively and have resulted in initiatives such as the implementation staff TEL champions who have supported their peers to adopt TEL focused practices in their classroom delivery. Participation by staff on previous projects injected an element of enthusiasm and open mindedness to new approaches to teaching among staff. It has also supported the development of bespoke ESOL programmes which were launched recently by our ETB and may be used by ETBs throughout the country. Staff have reported that the experience of mobilities has 1. Given perspective on how what they do compares to our counterparts in other countries. 2. Validates elements of our provision 3. Encourages a culture of constant questioning and improvement to ensure that our staff are equipped to meet the demands of our changing learner base and socio economic landscape. We welcomed the opportunity to build on the achievements of previous projects but this time focusing on the issues of Inclusion and Diversity and Sustainable Education.