Relevant initiatives

Promoting project and practice based learning supported by collaborative learning technologies in initial vocational education of mechanical manufacturing

Instituto Específico de FP superior Miguel Altuna

2010-2012

European

Yes

Leonardo da Vinci (TOI)

Promoting Project & Practice Based Learning supported by Collaborative Learning Technologies in Initial Vocational Education of Mechanical Manufacturing

Instituto Específico de FP superior Miguel Altuna

2010-1-ES1-LEO05-21046

Teaching Methodology, Didactical resource

Technology, Other

Other EU, Spanish, English

Teachers

PBLinVET has developed, experimented and validated a pedagogical model to implement Project & Practice Based Learning didactical methods supported by collaborative e-learning tools in VET Mechanical Manufacturing.
Activities

 Transfer Framework: Analysis of the transferable products and tools and of the educational contexts where they will be applied and their requirements.

 Definition of the pedagogical model describing how Project and Practice BasedLearning methodologies and KPE will be applied in the Vocational Training of Mechanical Manufacturing.

 Experimental Implementation of the P&PBL model supported by KPE. Carrying out 3 pilot projects to test the applicability of both the technology and the developed pedagogical models.

The project develops a collaborative learning experience to test the pedagogical model proposed. Although the project is within the framework of vocational training results are applicable to secondary. Especially scientific subjects.
It is especially interesting to develop distance learning or blended learning
It is well documented and the information is useful and accessible:
Evaluation of the experience: http://coop-pbl.com/proyecto-3
The pedagogical model presented in the project http://coop-pbl.com/wp-content/uploads/R5_Pedagogical-Model.pdf
Various tools in different languages to implement:
http://coop-pbl.com/proyecto-2

Strengths:
The Coop PBL in VET project is quite interesting because they had tried to develop a manual which can be used both by the teaching staff and the students in the new vocational project module in the higher level cycles. The manual puts forward a series of basic data / information designed towards its fulfilment.
Weaknesses:;
They are different training specialities which are provided in vocational training and it is very difficult to use the same methodology for the development of projects.
This initiative is relevant because it define about what a project is, both in the understanding and management of such. It clarifies the objectives, the key points, the features,..., and also it establishes a life cycle of the project.

Teacher 2
Teacher:
The project itself is both interesting and necessary. But I personally miss an economic context analysis that gives to the overall experience a layer of reality. In other words, what are the real possibilities for implanting this methodology without or poor support of local governmental agencies related to schools?.
It´s a pity that experiences with a high level of innovation and great potential were forgotten or slightly applied at the end.
I specially appreciate the coaching role. Coaching students is even more important than giving then just wisdom. Through coaching the task of a teacher continues beyond the end of the experience. Attitude is the key and coaching is the way for acquiring it.
Finally, I’d like to point out the role of the technology in this context. Technology must be at the service of the methodology and not the other way. Developing technological tools that really fit the methodology requirements is both difficult and expensive what bring me again to my first argument: the economic context and the aids from local agencies.

The students can see how to make a good planning and the correct definition of the project objectives because they are fundamental to guarantee its success.

Student 2
The most important feature I appreciate is the collaborative way of learning. It gives a sense of responsibility not only to yourself but with your colleagues.

Human relationships become more important just as it happens on real workplaces.