Erasmus Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education 2022

Topic(s) addressed

The main topics addressed in this project were diversity, ethnicity, marginalised groups, additional needs, wellbeing and a positive learner environment.

Target group(s)

The target group was 30 students who took part in a work placement over a two-week period in Malaga, Spain.

Methodologies

Students with additional needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds were identified early for individual support. Participants were involved in formulating individual learner agreements used to monitor and assess their skills, acquired knowledge. and personal development in terms of social skills and awareness. The learner agreements were evaluated at the end of the project and the participants were integrated back into college life by relaying their experiences to their peers and teachers. 

Innovation environment

The inclusion strategy was key to this project. The goal was to improve learners’ self-worth and confidence through this opportunity. All staff were included in the selection process of the participants. Staff had to be educated on the merits of the Erasmus Project and given guidance on how to nominate learners from their classes for selection. Criteria for nomination were confidence building, ethnicity, opportunity, back to education, and never having travelled independently. This list wished to ensure the fostering of personal growth along with professional development.

Teachers’ role

Senior staff encouraged and facilitated continuous professional development of staff. Many staff members have been awarded their Universal Design for Learning badges while others have been on an Erasmus-funded project focusing on the use of assistive technologies to meet the needs of students and the integration of digital technology. Teachers are continually creating partnerships with individual third-level institutions to develop a smoother pathway for students progressing to third-level education within a range of programmes such as nursing, marketing, and business.

Impact and output

Participants have succeeded in living independently, working, and interacting with others in a positive way, and improving their transversal skills which will stand to them into the future. All this has improved their confidence immensely and has given many the tools and coping skills they will need to be more resilient. 60% of participants came from disadvantaged backgrounds. The project’s success has been evident from the student evaluation and the teacher’s feedback . At the Graduation Night, two participants shared their experiences with an audience of over 2,000.

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