Galway Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB) has been recognised for best practice in teaching skills and confidence building in the annual ‘Learners’ Voices Across Ireland’ report.
The report was recently launched at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
GRETB learners reported that tutors helped to build their confidence and sense of capability, and that the learning environment was one of mutual respect and knowledge-building.
Tutors were recognised for the time and one-on-one supports provided to learners depending on the support required.
One learner said that it is ‘such a relaxed way’ of learning.
“We all contribute to the class, but ultimately, our tutor prompts us to contribute to the lessons in ways that we probably wouldn’t even have thought that we could. It’s brilliant and makes us feel like we’re capable and confident,” they said.
Further Education and Training (FET) learners from Galway and across Ireland participated in focus groups and surveys to inform the research, which highlights overwhelmingly positive experiences of FET.
However, the report also reveals regional disparities in learning experiences due to inequalities in public transport, facilities, and inclusion and mental health supports.
CEO of AONTASDearbháil Lawless said: “There are two principal narratives emerging from this year’s ‘Learners’ Voices Across Ireland’ report – that education has a hugely transformative impact on learners’ lives, particularly those returning to education later in life – and that issues around local infrastructure and facilities are creating inequalities and barriers for learners across the country to access, or take full advantage of, those transformative experiences.”
“For many people in Galway and across Ireland, particularly those from under-resourced communities and groups that face the greatest challenges in accessing quality education, crossing the threshold of a college or training centre is a huge step, and for many even getting to the front door is proving to be the biggest barrier.”
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