The main aim of the project is to improve pre-service and in-service schoolteachers’ practical training in EU countries, reducing professional attrition. To achieve this, the project team are developing a digital platform with a learning community based on reflective practice bringing together providers of initial teacher’s education (pre-service education) and continuous professional development for teachers(in-service education).
The platform will be a virtual common environment for teachers in transition (pre-service teachers or students, newly qualified teachers, beginning teachers or in-service teachers), school-mentors, HEI teachers and continuous education trainers. This project benefits from the methodology of Problem- Based learning (PBL) and the development of a reflective practice guided by a trainer/mentor and shared with a Learning Community.
The consortium is composed by teacher education providers in initial and continuous training from Belgium, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Spain, in order to propose a shared development process among European countries, and to define a useful tool for teacher training, taking advantage of current technological capabilities, and offering quality training for all, without barriers to social accessibility or capacity.
Digital TA Project - Limerick
Digital TA - Maria McCarthy interview
Maria McCarthy explores the isolation that some newly qualified teachers may experience and how a digital reflective platform could offer different perspectives and feedback to support these teachers.
Digital TA - Liam Maquet interview
Liam Maquet discusses some of the challenges faced by many newly qualified teachers as they begin their professional journey and the benefits of mentoring to support these teachers.
Manus McDyer reflects on the complexity of planning for teaching and learning as well as the benefits of a platform that can promote the development of professional relationships between newly qualified and experienced teachers.
Digital TA - Oliver McGarr interview
Professor Oliver McGarr offers insights into the complexity of digital reflective practice in Initial Teacher Education, as well as some of the ways in which digital reflection can support teachers in their professional development.
Digital TA - Geraldine Mooney Simmie interview
Professor Geraldine Mooney Simmie explores the multifaceted nature of teaching and learning and the importance of dialogic and reflective practice as part of teachers’ professional development.