Professionalization of Literacy and Basic Education –
Basic Modules for
Teacher Training - TRAIN
Rationale and background
Literacy, broadly conceived as the basic knowledge and skills needed
by all, is a fundamental human right. In every society literacy is a
necessary skill in itself and one of the foundation of other life
skills. Literacy is a catalyst for participation in social, cultural,
political and economic activities, and for learning throughout life. In
the rapidly changing world of today’s knowledge society, the progressive
use to newer and innovative technological means of communication,
literacy requirements continue to expand regularly. In order to survive
in today’s globalized world, it has become necessary for all people to
learn (new) literacies and develop the ability to locate, evaluate and
effective use information in multiple ways.
In Europe the development of literacy and basic education differs
between EU member states. That applies to the professional development
of trainers in each country as well.
Professionalism within literacy and basic skills is a difficult
subject:
Teacher and trainer have to deal with adults who are
marginalised or disadvantaged.
In addition to their reading and writing difficulties the
students do have learning problems.
Teacher and trainer have to improve their knowledge about
psychological and social aspects.
It is necessary to develop innovative methods of teaching and
learning, including interactive technologies.
Objectives
Provide the state of the art of current teacher training approaches,
concepts and best practice examples in the participating countries, as
well as in other European countries which have developed structures and
national action plan.
Explore what competences/skills do literacy/basic education teachers
need.
Development and implementation of five basic modules for teacher
training in the field of literacy and basic education.
Creating a model for teacher training for literacy teachers that
represents best practice across Europe.