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Description
The main purpose of the visit is to get acquainted with the Norwegian model of educational development in the field of non-formal education and lifelong learning, including, first of all, practical familiarization with the Study Circles method. This method has been successfully used for years and works well in Norway and other Scandinavian countries. It is an exemplary method of non-formal education. Getting to know its principles and functioning will contribute to its implementation into Polish realities. It will increase the knowledge, competences and will serve the professional development of the participants. Getting to know the work of the Study Circles method at the source will allow the Inicjatywa Foundation to optimally implement it and to enrich its educational activities. Participants of the visit will have the opportunity to apply this method within the Foundation''s activities and to use it in other future activities.
An important purpose of the visit is also the exchange of experiences in the implementation of bilateral educational projects, inclusive education, networking and work on the strategy of bilateral cooperation. The visit is a great opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge from a fully competent and having many years of experience in the field of education, the host party, which is the Bjerkaker Learning Lab (BLL), which is involved in a number of international projects in the field of non-formal education, adult education and lifelong learning. BLL popularizes these principles in many European countries. Contact and development of bilateral cooperation with BLL will significantly increase the educational offer of the Initiative Foundation and will contribute to the activation of local communities in its area of operation.
Summary of project results
1. Getting to know the Norwegian model of educational development, especially in the field of non-formal education and lifelong learning. Getting to know the experience of the host party in the following areas: adult learning and education, dimensions of education and active citizenship, active and high-quality aging and lifelong learning, education of youth from groups at risk of social exclusion. Presentation of the activities of the Initiative Foundation in the above-mentioned topics.
2. Acquainting with the Study Circles method and its functioning in practice. Getting to know the method, its history and essence, the idea of meta-learning: learning by doing, sharing experience, and by experiencing, getting to know the role of leaders in the educational process. Discussion of the possibility of adapting the method to Polish reality and specificity at the Inicjatywa Foundation, i.e. the use of the Study Circles method in working with people with disabilities and the ways of adapting Study Circles to the new reality, using the opportunities offered by the Internet and the virtual world.
3. Exchange of experiences, work on ideas for joint projects, networking. Consultations for members of the Foundation''s team on the management of bilateral projects and the Foundation''s strategy in the field of non-formal education. Presentation of the strategy prepared by the participants. Work on a SWOT analysis, practical notes, tips and recommendations. Work on a development plan for further bilateral cooperation. Summary and evaluation of the visit.
Summary of bilateral results
The visit created an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge, so to speak, from a fully competent host party with many years of experience in this field of education - the Bjerkaker Learning Lab (BLL), which is involved in a number of international projects in the field of non-formal education, adult education, lifelong learning. Representatives of this organization have for many years sat and headed the boards of the Norwegian and the authorities of European associations of educational organizations, in the field of non-formal education, adult education and lifelong learning. Familiarization with the work of the Study Circles method at the source allowed the "Initiative" Foundation to optimize the process of its implementation on the Polish ground and enrich its own educational activities. Contact, partnership and advice from BLL significantly influenced the strengthening and institutional development of the "Initiative" Foundation.We received support from the host party on key topics, such as policies and management methods in non-formal education and support for the foundation''s strategy for further development in the field of multidirectional education. The visit also included hands-on activities with organizations working with the Study Circles method, including "K-stud - Kristelig Studieforbund." We learned how broad and varied the topics can be when working with this method. Participants made new and broader contacts in the educational system in Norway, and above all - competencies in organization and work, which should in the near future translate into the development and exchange of educational ideas, also the establishment of further partnerships.