BEGIN: Broadening experience with guidance in vocational education

Project facts

Project promoter:
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
Project Number:
CZ07-0172
Target groups
Teachers, trainers, managers, leaders and other staff within higher education institutions
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€25,123
Final project cost:
€13,504
From Norway Grants:
€ 12,083
The project is carried out in:
Hlavní město Praha

Description

The main aim of the project is to implement two student motilities between both partner institutions. This plan will complement the exchange of academic staff. Through expected future cooperation we would like to let participants acquire and share knowledge and understanding of current systems of vocational education and training (VET) in both countries especially with regard to the role of guidance and counselling methodology as a part of VET. In short-term perspective the project will enhance professional skills of students namely skills which could be applied in vocational education and guidance. In long-term perspective we assume that outcomes should improve quality of initial training of both vocational teachers and counsellors. Important benefit of the project will be further cooperation between partners on the field of research and innovations.

Summary of project results

Project BEGIN followed a preparatory visit (March 2015; NF-CZ07-PVI-2-1412014), during which both parties clarified their options, expectations and described their roles in the planned cooperation. The partner organization was the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in As (NMBU). The project consisted of two mobilities. First 4 Czech students and 2 academic staff from IEC CULS traveled in period from 24.8. to 5.9. 2015 to Norway. Subsequently a similar program followed in term from 14.2 to 28.2. 2016 - 3 Norwegian students and 2 academic staff from NMBU took part. Unfortunately Norwegian academic staff could not attend the minimum 5 working days extent of the mobility so they did not fullfill project requirements for eligible costs, their expenditures were not covered from the project grant (detailed in budget spending). Both exchanges were prepared in accordance with the requirements of the partner universities so that students and teachers gained real experience with local educational and counselling institutions and services in the second country. Study trips focused mainly on a comparison of vocational education, training and guidance at various levels of education and for different target groups. The project fulfilled the expectations on both sides. Students gained knowledge of Norwegian and Czech educational system and counseling services. In their reports they summarized what they learned and how they will continue applying the new experience in their future personal and professional development. Dissemination of knowledge within education at IEC and the interest of other students to be involved in similar future projects could also be considered as important impacts of the project. Academic staff appreciated discussions on forms and methods of teaching and counselling approaches in the Czech Republic and Norway. The project showed number of common themes and outlined opportunities for cooperation, we will be glad to develop our further network.

Summary of bilateral results

Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is a public university of long traditions in education and research and in co-operation with universities in and outside Norway. Students’ mobility is highly regarded and it ranges worldwide. The university has 5000 students and 1700 employees within 64 study progammes. (https://www.nmbu.no/en/about-nmbu/node/2884) The Section for Learning and Teacher Education (SLL) provides two main studies in teacher education; a 5-year Master in Teacher Education in Natural Sciences and Mathematics and a 1-year unit in Practical-Pedagogical Teacher Education (Part-time/Full time). Didactical areas are in agriculture, science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology, ICT. SLL also offers a wide range of continuing education in these areas as well in development work, education for sustainable development and counselling. Their research is mainly carried out in co-operation with their target groups; schools, teachers and students.