European experience for realistic professional expectations

Topic(s) addressed

The topics addressed by this project include equal access and transition to the labour market; preventing early school leaving and failure in education; and development of disadvantaged rural and urban areas.

Target group(s)

The group included 22 students, aged16-19 and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Methodologies

The project activity involved practical workplace programmes. Students were given practical tasks, through which they could apply and test their knowledge from school. Some tasks were completed independently and then assessed by a mentor. A transition was therefore made between formal, informal, and independent learning. 

Innovation environment

Participating students demonstrated their new knowledge and skills to their classmates, and performed group tasks together in workshops organised outside of school. The shared experiences will encourage a positive, motivating attitude in schools and lead to better results. 

Teachers’ role

Participating teachers improved their pedagogical competencies and approaches by interacting and supporting the students in a new, well-functioning environment. The teachers assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the students' preparation and tested various pedagogical approaches for effective implementation of this project in an educational setting.

Impact and output

All participating students come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Positive progress in professional knowledge and skills, soft skills, improved motivation to learn, and future realisation was assessed in all components. Our students now have an increased trust and interest in our school and in professional development.

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