Teacher benefits from Comenius in-service training programme

Franceanne Borg, guidance teacher with the Education Division, recently attended a six-day course funded by Socrates - the European Community Programme and the Comenius In-Service Training Programme.

The course consisted of a six-day full-time study programme, comprising 40 hours of instruction as well as visits to different settings, which recently took place in Vastra Nylands Folkhongsola, Karjaa, Finland.

The programme, which consisted of an intensive, structured training approach, balancing theory with practice and case studies, workshops and group projects, also examined comprehensive and novel theories of family learning, providing models and methodology for integrating them in the teaching practice.

Family learning covers all forms of informal and formal learning that involve more than one generation. Family members can include friends as well as family, reflecting the range of support relationships that individuals rely on in the 21st century.

It includes learning about roles, relationships and responsibilities in relation to stages of family life: parenting education; and learning how to understand, take responsibility and make decisions in relation to wider society in which the family is a foundation for citizenship.

The experience was highly enjoyable and valuable both on a personal and professional level. It was an unique opportunity for professionals to share ideas, experience and expertise for the benefit of students and their families.