Project Summary
Innovative practical action learning sets are well established and proven methodologies in the UK. By bringing together small groups of participants they enable practitioners and activists to work together and explore a range of tools and techniques that complement their own specific requirements. Action learning focusses on learning not just about the issue being tackled (in PALS' case community participation) but also on what is being learned about oneself. This is essential to turn developing understanding into learning that can be transferred to other people and situations.
The PALS project provides a unique opportunity to transfer this innovative approach across the EU, specifically targeting new and accession states who historically have a low level of understanding and participation in these types of approaches and methodologies Through this we will, across the EU, build the competencies into the non formal and informal vocational training and development of regeneration, planning and community development practitioners and activists - thereby supporting the growing sustainable communities' agenda.
To achieve this overall aim we have designed a series of interrelated objectives:-
- Identify a core set a set of transferable tools and techniques customised to the need of individual states
- Promote tools and techniques through a transnational "training the trainers" process, to 45 practitioners and through them cascade and test to 350 other practitioners
- Translate tools and technique in to local language
- Produce a web site for dissemination and accessibility of partners
- Produce effective case study analysis, learning sets, good practice guide, technology transfer, conceptual consultations, testing methodologies.
- Develop and promote ICT learning materials through an interactive e-learning web site
- Develop a network of trainers to cascade learning opportunities, enhance vocational skills competencies, teach effective techniques and improve confidence for those professionals and activists working with these communities