The Eureka Transnational Partnership Meeting 27Th-30Thnovember 2017 Galway

The Eureka Transnational Partnership Meeting 27th-30thNovember 2017 Galway.

Introduction

Introduction

The Eureka Project Transnational Meeting in Galwaywas evaluated in 2 waysby the project coordinator. The rationale behind the evaluation was to ascertain whether the transnational meetings are addressing the expectations of delegates and whether there are recommendations which can be made for future meetings.

Delegates completed a Pre-Meeting Report Questionnaire and afterwards a “Final Report Form”.

All delegates from The Czech Republic, Greece and The Titan Partnership completed reports. A number of Czech delegates completed the report together. Two reports were received from BCU delegates. There were 16 delegates in total who participated in the meeting and in addition there were a number of Irish delegates who carried out the organisation and planning and consequently were not asked to complete pre or post event questionnaires.

The meeting was hosted by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) who put together a programme including 2 school visits, teaching observations, the opportunity to meet and talk to students including a STEM group and a concert for all delegates performed by students.

GRETB also advised on accommodation and travel arrangements.

The following is the expectation from the Transnational Partnership Meetings as outlined in the project narrative.

Transnational Partnership Meetings

“There will be 6 project steering group meetings, 2 of which will take place during the evenings of the training events in Birmingham and Zlin.Two persons from each partner institution will attend all project steering group meetings. All partners will devote management/administration time to the project. They will organise programmes for hosting meetings and training events. Additional staff will attend transnational project meetings dependent on their organisation size/expertise to contribute to resource and training development through a series of interactive workshops and activities with partners”.

The feedback from the evaluation is as follows:

Expectations from Delegates. Pre-Meeting Reports

Here is a synopsis of delegate expectations:

I would like to hear about strategies in Ireland and to hear from lead practitioners.

I would like to understand interventions that are used and find out about resources.

Teacher discussion and observation would be useful.

I am interested in how students are supported in different contexts.

I hope to learn from other delegates.

I would like to find out about provision for key groups of students such as more able and disadvantaged if possible.

I would like to learn about leadership, strategy and management in schools in Ireland.

I would like to learn about target setting and how to identify under performance.

I would like to network with colleagues.

I would like to establish new partnerships.

I am really interested in digital technology to enhance personalised learning.

Interested in inclusion in Ireland.

I am particularly interested in Special Educational Needs(SEN) and would like to see any effective interventions in this field.

I would like feedback on the “known practices template” I have devised for the project

We would like to extend knowledge about all possibilities of identification and support for gifted students in various states and social backgrounds.

We want the opportunity to compare the support for gifted students in different countries.

I want to find out about progress with the Resource Directory and Intervention manual. I am able to offer support to website development.

The Overall Evaluation

Delegates completed a detailed Final Report covering evaluation at the end of the meeting.Evaluation reports were received from 15 of the 16 delegates.

Here is a synopsis of what they said:

●What impressed you?

The talent of the Irish students. From STEM success at Claregalway to musical talent at both schools.

The confidence and independence of students in their learning.

The variety of events and activities.

The organisation and hospitality.

Bespoke activities.

Articulate, inspirational leaders and staff.

School visits-Excellent examples of inclusive approaches and ideas.

Management of visits and the variety of school life we witnessed.

Fantastically organised event. Well done and a massive thanks to the whole Irish team.

Organisation was exceptional, 2 different types of schools, the plan for the days in school were very good.

The welcome we were given by schools and all staff.

The programme which was comprehensive and informative.

Well organized and included a range of interesting approaches to teaching and leadership.

Flawless organisation of the meeting and all the activities, caring and attentive care of the organizers.

The cultural performances at both schools.

System teaching -flipped lessons.

It was inspiring to learn about the way school management (especially Coilaiste Bhaile Chloir) emphasized the development of teachers, the perception of students as co-teachers.

I liked Irish pride in their culture (dance, music, etc. especially Coilaiste na Coiribe).

Use of modern technology.

Warm atmosphere.

Teaching techniques.

It was really enriching to see that workshops are a common part of the timetable, such as work with wood, art lessons and music lectures.

I was impressed by the warm atmosphere and good organization of the project. There was a very well prepared programme at schools and all participants were very helpful and keen on the project.

●Has your knowledge and Skills been enhanced?

Flipped classroom experience.

Techniques for encouraging and inspiring able students.

Value of celebrating success.

Teacher Led CPD.

Enhancement on employability focussed skills matrix.

Knowledge on STEM as a dedicated lesson.

Yes around the incorporation of new technologies into the secondary curriculum.

Recognition of exceptional music and culture.

A better understanding of skills as approached in the Irish secondary context and their relationship to Gifted and Talented interventions.

I understand the Irish education system.

How to celebrate success.

Independent learning-how to get there.

The value of ICT in schools.

I have gained an insight into the power of building on pupils‘ lives and culture.

Flipped classrooms.

I consider education in both Irish schools as examples of good practice and evidence that it is possible to provide modern education with respect for cultural roots.

Improvement in conversational English.

Observation of good practice.

Effective ways of expanding my knowledge and skills enlargement on work with talented children.

The safe atmosphere accepting everyone just the way he/she is and creating bespoke possibilities was very beneficial.

It strengthened my belief in the ability of every person.

●Where your expectations fulfilled?

Yes, lots of ideas from Ireland and fellow international delegates.

Great sharing of good practice,

Yes and exceeded.

Incredibly beneficial.

Open mind. I hope.

Yes, school visits and discussions were very rich.

Yes.I saw STEM subjects and how Gifted +Talented students are catered for.

Criteria met. Exceptional staff training.

My expectation was filled to the fullest extent and in some areas has been surpassed.

I gained inspirational sources of information for my counseling practice.

Yes, my expectations and hopes were fulfilled. I got a lot of useful information, inspirations and ideas for my practice.

I am pleased to say, that my expectations were fulfilled.

My expectations were fulfilled primarily by observation. I found the comprehension of oral English challenging.

●What will you do next?

Digital innovation at Aston (2018/19).

Some Professional Development on Flipped Classroom approach (2018).

Develop a culture of innovation for staff (ongoing).

Focus on celebrating our rich local culture and recognising a wide range of accomplishments (ongoing).

Participation in national and international competitions to inspire and enable the able (ongoing).

Discuss STEM as a dedicated lesson across the Titan network.

Adaption of 8 key skills into the Titan Employability Skills matrix.

Demonstration of talent.

Strive for excellence as opposed to “All must have a prize”

Develop projects aiming at particular student skills including social and emotional developments.

Look at use of ICT in the Academy.

Review rewards system.

I have revisited Bloom’s taxonomy.

The visit has already influenced some training sessions which I help to plan and deliver on lesson planning.

Shared teaching, and willingness to take on the risk.

Sharing new knowledge with my colleagues for inspiration.

I have found several good practice examples.

I am going to inform my colleagues about the benefit of connecting the classical teaching and practice or art lectures within the school week, which are isolated into the Elementary Art Schools here in the Czech Republic.

Thanks to permission to use my camera I could give a picture presentation to all participants and they could spread these materials to their colleagues.

Summary

From the analysis of the evaluation there is no doubt that delegates were highly appreciative of the organisation, the atmosphere, the welcome, the extra mile that both schools and GRETB itself went to in order to enable learning in an informal and yet thoroughly professional and marvellously warm atmosphere. The hospitality was fantastic and the input from students and teachers whether through focus groups or opportunities for discussion in the classroom or the wonderful insight into Irish culture provided through, music and dance at both schools was extraordinary. All the feedback was incredibly positive. Delegates mentioned not just great practice in the classroom but the inspiration from the senior leaders, the two principals and senior staff.

The actual management meeting itself achieved a tremendous amount in terms of planning and shaping ideas. The key players all seem satisfied with their role. Each partner were aware of the tasks they have to undertake and the timescales for delivery. The launch of the website, updates on directories,and the input from the evaluator and BCU on forthcoming training all give the project additional momentum.

The elements within the school visits such as the STEM lesson and discussions with pupils, teaching observations, the input from the 2 Headteachers and other staff, the music inputs and concert displaying the talent of students, the school tour, the warmth and hospitality were all well received and valued.

All delegates felt the visit was very well organised and the agenda pertinent. One delegate said “we were treated like VIPs”. This was a common view. Another said “Fantastically organised event. Well done and a massive thanks to the whole Irish team”.

Here is a typical response from a delegate

“I found it of great benefit on both a professional and a personal level. Thank you. Some of the thoughts it provoked have already influenced training sessions we run for staff and I am sure that's only the beginning!”

There is no doubt from the evidence in this feedback that delegates were appreciative and learnt a lot. Thispartnership is particularly strong at hosting activities and showcasing exemplar activity. It is quite a new partnership and as a result partners are still getting used to each other’s approaches and styles of working. However, at all times colleagues work well together and respect each other’s views. Everyone was keen to learn from others, to hear other views and were receptive to new ideas. The atmosphere was relaxed and professional.

Schedules were adhered to, the pace seemed right. It was a full programme. Questions and discussions were encouraged. A lot was covered.

Delegates seemed to appreciate the efforts very much the organiser made to provide activities beyond the formal programme includingrestaurant visits and hospitality.

GRETB presented a thought provoking experience for all delegates. The learning was powerful and the meeting will no doubt live long in the memory of attendees.

B Martin

Project co-ordinator

15/12/2017