Tuesday 30 November 2010

Project Update

It is no surprise that constant changes in politics and advances in technology have made education a constant challenge. The role out of ‘SMART’ is at the moment in the midst of political uncertainty. Those involved in workbased learning/programmes, know that these are difficult times. As the researcher for this project, I have both seen and experience some of the changes that have occurred as a result of the current political shifts.

For many of those in the workbased settings, there priorities are now maximising the current workforce. Currently services are exploring alternative ways of implementing change, services having to become more cost effective, efficient and economically viable. Students, who have recently joined programmes that are workbased orientated, will need to take more responsibility for their development within this climate. The project was always aware of student involvement and’ SMART’ wanted/needed to enhance many of the good practice elements of the educational programmes being provided.

To date the evaluation has been slow, but contact with mentors who helped with the development of the project and the support of those supporting students is ongoing. The team is actively encouraging participation, the reviews from those within education is positive. However our evaluation must come from those in the workbased setting. It is clear that for those, for whom the project was development; ‘SMART’ has a saving grace once it can get off the ground. SMART will belong to those working in a workbased setting and will become their community and thus reflect how they see support in the future.

In these difficult challenging times, people will need support, staff skills will still need to be developed and the concept of good practice provides a lifeline for those who may be isolated.

Watch this space!

Michael Farquharson