The IQ Life – Improving the Quality of Lifelong learning in Future Europe project, implemented by the Centre of Continuing Education in Poland with the help of four European partners, prepares adults for lifelong learning education while providing them new qualifications and offering high quality education.
The project reached out to two types of learners: early school leavers and those who came from vulnerable social groups and wished to get new qualifications. After a very long break from learning for both groups, the centre was their second chance to participate in formal education, by giving them the sense of self-realization, self-acceptation and very often by preventing them from marginalisation or social exclusion.
Motivation through self-expression
One of the main goals was to motivate adult learners and extend learning. Some adults still feel discouraged from learning due to negative past experiences. With the IQ Life project, leaners had the opportunity to make films about the importance of learning. These films were used to promote the school and engage new learners.
Learners also used IT to elaborate products (posters, videos, leaflets, calendars), to look for information (images, quotations about learning) and to communicate (e-mail, Dropbox, Facebook site, Facebook accounts).
By making participants think about the benefits of learning and sharing experiences from different cultures and countries, the centre tried to motivate adults to get involved in learning and find out new ideas to extend learning in the community.
Thanks to this project, teachers have learnt more about attractive, innovative educative practices. Learners have also stressed the benefits of learning. The school conducted such a project for the first time and learners spontaneously joined it, met new people and developed their language and ICT skills. They also started to attend school more frequently. Today, learners are still motivated to continue improving their skills.
The project: IQ Life
- Award category: European projects (Poland)
- Learner target group: Early school leavers and people from vulnerable social groups
- Innovative practice: Finding the motivation of learners
Project coordinator
- Organisation: Centre of Continuing Education No 2
- Contact: Ewa Duda
Project partners
- Centro de Educación de Personas Adultas de El Astillero, AMASRA İLÇE MİLLİ EĞİTİM MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ – Turkish Ministry of education in Amasra district of Bartın, Voksenopplæringsforbundet i Sør-Trøndelag.
Resources
The article series shares good practices on engaging new learners by introducing the nominees of the EAEA Grundtvig Award 2017.
Text: Lou-Andréa PinsonPhotos: IQ Life