About the project

SUPport of Problem-solving mentality in lifelOng leaRning for Trainerse project

Problem solving is the process of identifying a problem, developing possible solution paths, and taking the appropriate course of action. The European Commission has identified problem solving, and the ability to solve problems and work collaboratively as a main indicator of the transversal skills to be acquired as part of the key competences. It is the view of the “SUPport of Problem-solving mentality in lifelOng leaRning for Trainers” SUPPORT consortium that adult learning consists of a an everlasting process of problem-posing and problem-solving, especially in the case of dealing with persons with low level of skills or qualifications where the learning environment is not only challenged by the knowledge to be acquired but has to deal with a variety of existing preconceptions, social exclusion, stereotypes, language barriers, cultural limitations and others. By supporting the trainers in what we call “problem-solving” situations, with multiple tools and methods as well as valuable background information and scenarios, the project aims to enforce in an antihierarchical way inclusion, retention and outreach in the adult learning environment in order to maximise the positive effect for the direct and indirect target group. SUPPORT will provide trainers with an online platform with useful tools and methods and an open discussion forum that will extend the trainers’ competences and professionalize their work. The SUPPORT project will also develop a “near-peer” methodological framework for learners in order to promote their active participation, on equal terms with the tutor, and foster their motivation.

More specifically the objectives of SUPPORT, considering as well the specific objectives of the Erasmus+ Programme in the field of education and training, will be as follows:

1. Support and extend the competencies of educators and trainers in tackling challenges and solving problems
2. Improve the level of key competences and skills of learners in dealing with challenging environments
3. Promote the emergence and raise awareness of a European lifelong learning area designed to complement policy reforms and to support the modernisation of education through concrete policy recommendations
4. Increase awareness on the importance of inclusive and collaborative education
The most important activities of SUPPORT consist of the development of 4 intellectual outputs, 2 local events and a final project conference. It is expected that approximately 160 trainers, professionals and learners as well as policy makers and interested stakeholders will attend the multiplier events and final conference. The multiplier events will have as their main objective the acquisition of constructive feedback from multiple stakeholders in order for the optimal development of the outputs.
The project aims, along its duration and upon its completion, to have, namely, the following results:

1. It will support and extend the competencies of educators and trainers in tackling challenges and solving problems. Through facilitating communication between them through the available forum of the SUPPORT platform, their access to a clearly user-friendly environment providing tools and methods for the organisation and planning of their needs, and the supporting them find a way to reach a concise, inclusive and stimulating learning environment thriving for outreach.

2. It will produce a concise methodological framework ready to use with trainers and adult learners, as identified.

3. It will increase the quality of adult education provision, with a strong drive towards policy reform through the recommendations policy paper developed.

4. It will map the current situation in lifelong learning organisations, by adult educators and adult learning on problem-resolution, problem-posing and how the above affect the impact of training.
5. It will support the overall effort for participation and retention of adult learners.
The SUPPORT Project is expected to have a visible and sustainable impact to organisations, trainers and trainees with low level basic skills and qualifications, that will be directly and indirectly involved in the project processes and consequently to the community as a whole.
The project has an extent consortium active through the whole spectrum of adult education provision and advocacy, VET, formal, non-formal and informal education. In this way the project has a strong European added value since it addresses the importance of sustainable, problem-solving, inclusive and collaborative education through outreach and cooperation as the centre of its actions.
Specifically SUPPORT will target adult educators, experts and professionals working in formal, non-formal and informal structures, learners with low level basic skills and/or qualifications, as well as Policy makers concerned with education and lifelong learning.