THE EDUCATION SERVICES OF LÉARGAS WILL HOST A CONTACT SEMINAR FROM
25TH TO THE 28TH NOVEMBER 2010 IN MALAHIDE CO. DUBLIN ON THE TOPIC OF:
‘QUALITY IN ADULT EDUCATION’
AIM
The purpose of this seminar is to facilitate the development of Grundtvig Learning Partnership
Projects on the theme of quality in adult education. The issue of quality in the delivery of adult
education is a topic of increasing importance at national and European level.
We hope to deliver quality content and focused seminar that will stimulate participants and
motivate them to undertake Grundtvig Learning Partnership projects that will look at the issue
of quality in adult education, both in their own work and in the work of their organisation. A
thematic approach has been adopted to attract participants who are genuinely interested in
this topic and interested in becoming involved in a European Partnership project.
Great emphasis will be placed on the identification of suitable partners and project themes.
On the final day participants will be invited to present an outline of their planned projects and
the next steps to be taken. Participants will also receive training on filling out the project
proposal forms and budgets and guidance on project management.
TARGET GROUP
The target group for this seminar are adult education organisations and institutions working at
a national/local and community level who are working to facilitate adults to return to
education and who are interested in addressing the issue of quality in their work and the work
of their organisation.
The total number of participants will be approximately 60, 50 of which will be non-Irish
participants. The remaining 10 will consist of 10 Irish participants and National Agency
Representatives. The working language will be English.
INNOVATIVE SPACE
We have allocated time for networking and developing ideas for the creation of your projects.
This will be conducted during the formal time allocated on Friday afternoon and Saturday
morning with the assistance of NA staff that will answer any questions and guide you where
possible. We also hope that you will make use of the social programme to get to know your
European colleagues and use this time to share and exchange the wealth of expertise!
THE GRUNDTVIG PROGRAMME
The Grundtvig Programme seeks to improve the quality and European dimension of adult
education in the broadest sense, and to make lifelong learning opportunities more widely
available to European citizens. Grundtvig encompasses all modes of learning; formal or nonformal education for adults as well as more informal ways such as autonomous learning,
community learning or experiential learning.
We would envisage that organisations would have the opportunity to address many issues
relating to quality in adult education through their projects such as;



Identifying the learning needs of teachers, trainers and staff
Looking at issues around improving the quality of teachers, tutors and other staff in
adult education and the support needed for continuing professional development.
Looking at how organisations and institutions implement quality assurance across
Europe for adult education.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE THEME: QUALITY IN ADULT EDUCATION
In 2006 the European Commission issued a Communication on adult learning entitled ‘Its
never to late to learn’ which outlined the contribution that adult education makes to the
acquisition of key competencies to ensure employability, adaptability in a modern labour
market and to social inclusion. Within this communication it highlighted five key messages for
adult education stakeholders which were agreed at a European level with the input of all the
European countries involved. One of these key messages was the importance of ‘Ensuring the
quality of adult learning’ – it outlined that ‘poor quality provision of adult learning leads to poor
quality learning outcomes’.
It outlined that, quality in adult education is of relevance to a wide range of areas in adult
education organisation – it has a role in the provision of information and guidance; needs
analysis; learning content matching learning needs and demands; learning support;
assessment approaches; recognition, validation and certification of competencies.
It identified that while all of these dimensions were important the following areas require
attention;
TEACHING METHODS
Teaching methods and materials should take account of the specific needs and learning
approaches of adults. Intended learning outcomes should be explicit. In addition adults must
be able to draw on learning support resources such as guidance, literacy provision and the
development of study skills required.
QUALITY OF STAFF
The professional development of people working in adult education is a vital determinant of
the quality of adult learning. According to the Alpine –Adult Learning Professions In Europe
‘Adult learning staff play a key role in making lifelong learning a reality… however, not much is
known about this group of practitioners. At a European level there is a lack of information about
various aspects of the profession; such as who they are; how they are recruited; what
competencies/skills/qualifications they are expected or required to possess and how their
professional development is organised.’
QUALITY OF PROVIDERS
The overall quality of providers needs to be addressed through provider accreditation
mechanisms, quality assurance frameworks and internal and external monitoring and
evaluation of teaching and learning outcomes.
QUALITY OF DELIVERY
Improving the delivery of adult learning is essential to raise participation. Measures to
promote effective delivery include availability of learning sites and childcare facilities locally,
open and distance learning services for those in remote areas; information and guidance;
tailored programmes and flexible teaching arrangements.
RECOMMENDED READING
ALPINE- Adult Learning Professions in Europe- ‘A study of the current situation, trends and
issues’ (2008)
http://ec.europa.eu/education/more-information/doc/adultprofreport_en.pdf
Communication from the Commission ‘ Adult Learning: Its never too late to Learn’ (2006)
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/education_training_youth/lifelong_learning/c11097_e
n.htm
Communication from the Commission’ Its always a good time to learn’ (2007)
http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/adult/com558_en.pdf
Action plan on Adult learning: From policy to practice (2009)
http://www.kslll.net/Documents/Final%20report%20of%20Regional%20Meetings%20Oct_No
v%202009.pdf
Adult education trends and issues in Europe (2006)
http://ec.europa.eu/education/pdf/doc268_en.pdf
OTHER USEFUL WEB PAGES
European Adult Education Association (EAEA)
http://www.eaea.org/index.php?k=12321
EU Reports on adult education
http://ec.europa.eu/education/more-information/moreinformation139_en.htm
LOCATION AND TRAVEL INFORMATION
The contact seminar will take place from the 25th to the 27th of November in Malahide, Co.
Dublin. The seminar venue is located north of Dublin city, in an idyllic coastal village. Further
information about the seminar venue can be found at http://www.thegrand.ie/
All seminar participants will be accommodated at the following hotel:
The Grand Hotel
Malahide
Co. Dublin
T: +353 1 845 0000
We have booked rooms from the 25th to the 27th November (3 nights). If participants plan to
arrive earlier or leave later you can avail of the conference single rate of €90 per night. If you
wish to avail of this offer you should contact the hotel immediately.
TRAVEL FROM DUBLIN
Participants who arrive in Dublin airport on Thursday 25th November will be transported to the
hotel by a courtesy coach. Please note that you might have to wait a short while for other
passengers to arrive before the coach leaves for the hotel. This is to accommodate
participants arriving at different times. Detailed information on coach departure times will
follow shortly.
If you prefer you may take a taxi from Dublin airport to the hotel. The journey is approximately
9.4 km. The cost of the taxi would be approx €20.
WORKING LANGUAGE
Please note that the seminar will be in English. Please note that no interpretation will be
provided.
COSTS
The seminar fee of €570 covers accommodation, meals, social activities and the courtesy
coach. Please note that the currency used in Ireland is the EURO (€). You can change money
at the airport on arrival.
WHAT TO PREPARE?
All participants are advised to bring along with them some audiovisual and/ or paper
information about their country and local area, their organisation/institution and samples of
food and drink typical to their country (please do not bring any meat or dairy products due to
custom restrictions). Each country will have a table where they can display their goods and
materials. Participants are responsible for preparing their own display.
CLIMATE
As most of you are probably aware the weather in Ireland can be very changeable and is often
prone to the odd shower or two. For those participants used to a milder climate it would be
advisable to bring a warm clothes and raincoat/umbrella.
CONTACT US
We hope that the above has answered any questions you might have but if you have any
further queries please e-mail either May Diamond [email protected] or Denise Shannon
[email protected]
or telephone us at 00 353 1 8731411
fax: 00 353 1 8731316
We look forward to meeting you at the seminar.
Warm regards,
Denise Shannon and May Diamond