Learning how to make use of creative thinking

The European Network of Vocational Training of Teachers and Trainers (TTnet) recently organised a workshop on enhancing communication through creative thinking. The workshop was mentored by Joseph G. Woods, manager of innovation at the World Centre for New Thinking.

Mr Woods is an accredited trainer of the Edward De Bono Thinking Skills. He has been involved in training and in the provision of creative thinking consultancy to various organisations within the public, private and the voluntary sectors.

This workshop provided participants with an opportunity to learn how to make use of creative thinking from the casual to discussion and to applied situations, thereby enhancing "thinking structures".

TTnet Malta is a member of the European Training of Trainers Network established in 1998 by CEDEFOP under the EU Commission. The network defines itself as a community forum for communication, cooperation and expertise in the field of the training of vocational teachers and trainers. The aim of the network is to promote the development of vocational teachers' and trainers' skills. TTnet Malta supports the European Community's Vocational Education Training (VET) policy to promote the professionalism of VET teachers and trainers as a key strategy to the improvement of the quality of VET systems.

TTnet is made up of the national networks, bringing together organisations and players involved in the training of vocational teachers and trainers. It is, therefore, aptly known as a "network of networks".

The local network, which is hosted by the Employment and Training Corporation, has been in operation since 2004. It has a committee of eight independent members. TTnet Malta aims to serve as a discussion forum and a platform between key actors, main experts and policy-makers; to contribute to the identification, analysis and dissemination of innovative approaches in key priority areas for the training of VET teachers and trainers; and to act as an interface on the national, trans-national and community levels.

The local committee has recently seen some changes and the first activity was to send a representative group to the University of Wales. This followed an invitation from CEDEFOP to participate in the first consultation seminar and workshop organised around country groupings. Malta was placed in the first of a series of six parallel events with groups from the UK, the Netherlands, Ireland and Romania. Participant groups consisted of trainers, researchers, administrators, human resources managers and other VET stakeholders working within the VET environment.

TTnet Malta will now continue to disseminate at local level the various issues discussed abroad. Some of the topics that will be addressed include national strategies for the recognition of VET teachers and trainers, new technologies in the delivery of training, the role of regulatory bodies in respect of accreditation systems and the professional development of VET teachers and trainers.

The information generated at local level, and as a result of the six seminars being held in Wales, will generate data for the compilation of a final document to be presented to the European Commission in 2009.

Membership in the local network is open to all interested individuals and organisations free of charge. Application forms can be downloaded from the TTnet Malta website, www.ttnetmalta.com.