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Developing Innovative Didactics for Workplace Training
Start date: Dec 31, 2015, End date: Mar 30, 2018 PROJECT  FINISHED 

As a concept, workplace learning incorporates a diverse set of scenarios and practices some of which are more regulated and controlled than others. While apprenticeships are generally very structured programmes with clear learning milestones that can be measured and assessed other popular models like internships, job shadowing and service-learning voluntary work offer less in the degree of certainty that substantial learning outcomes are achieved. While it is widely accepted that workplaces provide strong learning environments because they offer real on-the-job experience that makes it easier for some students to acquire essential hard and soft skills, the quality of workplace learning can be somewhat unpredictable especially in the less regulated environments. The DIDO project will offer a new and innovative contribution to the field of VET pedagogy that is not reflected in current initial teacher training or within the resources available for the continuous professional development of VET staff. It responds to the communication "A new impetus for cooperation in vocational education and training" which states that the continuing development of skills and competencies of teachers and trainers must be reviewed in light of their evolving roles. Workplace learning is a powerful tool in VET for up-skilling existing employees and for enabling a two-way flow of information between potential employers and future employees. There are considerable benefits for employers and employees if the workplace learning environment is structured and appropriately resourced. The key element of workplace learning that the DIDO project will address is ensuring quality in workplace learning environments by improving the capacity of teachers, trainers, mentors and counselors to respond to the demands of training provided on the job. It will support teachers to value learner diversity, support all learners, to work with others and to manage their own personal professional development. DIDO will develop and pilot an innovative new didactic approach that addresses the specific challenges of workplace learning for those working in the field. The DIDO project will develop an innovative didactic model for a new continuous professional development intervention in workplace learning. It will adopt an ab initio approach to developing this new CPD resource that will help teachers, trainers, mentors and counselors address the needs of workers, low-skilled workers and workers in vulnerable employments. As targets and expectations for workplace learning are increasingly framed within overall lifelong learning objectives and policies of Member States the didactic model developed by DIDO will be relevant and applicable beyond the initial target group and indeed throughout the economy where up-skilling of the workforce is a prerequisite for competitiveness and inclusion. The quality of current provision where workplace learning is concerned is poor in most situations and the lack of appropriate initial or continuing training for those engaged in VET provision is a major stumbling block to improved learning outcomes.

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