Tutors
The adult education sector in Ireland has developed significantly over the past number of years. It is now considered an educational sector in its own right with a Minister of State responsible for activities in the area. While there is still much work to be done, more services and courses are being developed to accommodate the broad range of learning needs of the adult population. Real opportunities now exist for adults to return to learning at any stage of their lives.
The drive to promote lifelong learning, and create a learning society, is at the heart of education policy developments within the European Union. This is also evident in Ireland. The launch of the National Framework of Qualifications has been one of the most significant developments in the creation of a lifelong learning culture.
The UCD Adult Education Centre has consistently advocated for the adult learner and promotes a student centred and inclusive approach to learning. Integral to this process is our large team of dedicated and committed tutors. Our tutors are recruited, not only for their subject expertise, but also for their experience in working with adult learners.
In order to facilitate tutors keep up-to-date with the myriad developments in the sector, professional development opportunities are offered to all staff on a variety of aspects of adult learning and teaching. All of the initiatives aim to bring the most current thinking on adult education methodologies to our tutors. These workshops and events also foster a team dimension as part-time tutors can feel isolated working alone in a large institution.
In association with the National Development Plan Training of Trainers initiative, we have offered a series of professional development workshops for tutors, course co-ordinators and senior UCD academic staff.
Following on from these workshops, resources have been developed for staff and booklets have been produced on
Professional Portfolio Development
Assessment Guidelines for Students
UCD Adult Education Centre, Library Building, Belfield, Dublin 4. Tel : (01) 716-7123
