Glasgow : Learning for Living & Earning
What is this?
Based upon starter materials from "Learning for Living and Earning Programme", this staff development initiative explored the opportunities in Education for Work to create a rationale/narrative for lifelong learning from pre-school onwards. Video material exemplifying good practice was used as a stimulus for participants. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the issues raised by the materials and from this to generate flexible, creative and imaginative educational approaches in their own establishments. Participants were encouraged to establish projects that developed not only the five core skills but also a variety of work related skills such as those related to aptitude, attitude, dispositions, values and aspirations. The projects also supported personal development, active citizenship, and successful lifelong engagement with the world of work. Projects focused on engaging all students including those who were prone to exclusion, disaffection and who had entrepreneurial flair. This approach provided every student in each participating school/establishment with valuable personal development information at important points within their educational career.
The use of close collaboration with the business personnel in the development training programme further cemented clear opportunities for students and staff to make links with, and understanding of, the world of work while still engaged in school based learning.
The emphasis was on innovation and creativity with the development of a mechanism for extrapolation and adaptation beyond the pilot participants.
FLaT involvement?
FLaT support was provided to assist the project team in working with a small number of key individuals[policy makers and senior managers] from schools (pre-school, primary and secondary) and the business world across Glasgow in year 1 of the pilot.
Links with National Priorities?
1. Achievement & Attainment
2. Framework for Learning
4. Values & Citizenship
5. Learning for Life
Project aims?
To examine the proposition that when the rationale and purpose of lifelong learning is understood by educational managers then they are more likely to generate flexible, creative and imaginative solutions in their establishments.
To enable all participants to develop a clear understanding of the value and importance of high aspirations, and a sense of self-efficacy, for young people.
To demonstrate via a series of practical projects the value of focussed and planned collaboration between education and the business world.
Project outcomes?
Promoted a motivational style of teaching and learning.
Encouraged a more flexible curriculum design and implementation in schools
Increased pupil motivation and aspirations.
Implemented a variety of approaches to ensure enterprising education.
Established links through Scottish business in the Community to support, mentor and monitor programme.
Provided all participating students with personal development information at important points within their educational career e.g. prior to compulsory subject choice and prior to leaving school and entering further/higher education.
Used video/audio and written evidence from each project to disseminate best practice nationally.
Timescale?
The project started in June 2003 and was completed in May 2005.
Level of support?
FLaT support was a grant of £41,000 for year 1 of the project, plus evaluation costs.
Who are the evaluation team?
University of Strathclyde, Centre for Studies in Enterprise, Career Development and Work. Team Leader: Sheila Semple, Director-Enterprising Careers.
Contact person:
Frances Gallagher, Manager, Learning for Living and Earning, Education Services, Glasgow City Council, Nye Bevan House, 20 India Street, Glasgow, G2 4PF. Tel No. 0141 287 8176. E-mail Frances.Gallagher@education.glasgow.gov.uk