A Guide for VET Teachers

Optimal was a European Commission funded Erasmus+ Key Action 2 Strategic Partnership Project KA2-SP, titled – ‘Optimised Training: Innovative Methods and Tools for Acceptance of Prior Learning in Qualifications and Workplace Training’. It started in 2016 and ended in October 2019. The Optimal project involved a consortium of partners as follows: Norway - Blue Competence Centre and Guri Kunna VET School, Hitra and Froya Belgium - Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) Scotland - Pisces Learning Innovations (PLI) Ltd Ireland - Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI). The partnership investigated the delivery of VET to work-based learners through the application of Student Rapid Response Systems (SRRS), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and teaching methodologies and tools, considering how teachers and/or instructors could optimise their approach to training adult workbased learners about relevant industry knowledge and skills in the classroom and during self-directed learning. The project built on the partners’ expertise and experience of different VET teaching and training methodologies and methods, exploring approaches to both formal and non-formal learning and the range of assessment and qualifications used in each partner’s system. This included reviewing different curriculum structures and learning outcomes. The project also engaged with industry to explore current needs and demands for training and qualifications. The partners looked at the practical application of using different types of questions and feedback in the classroom. The partners validated project material and outcomes through peer review engagement during transnational meetings. The project outcomes are based on the collaborative participation of all the project partners. The project piloted and tested several combined teaching and learning methodologies and methods in a VET school with adult learners studying fish farming. The project was aware of the aquaculture and fish farming sectors need to both upskill workers and to provide accredited training for new workers.