November 2024 is proving to be an intense and fruitful month for the Peer Review (PR) methodology, full of opportunities to get involved and learn more about its potential and innovation that it brings to the VET sector. This is happening thanks to the Erasmus+ project Digital Peer Review for green and digital VET, a 24-months initiative involving EfVET and 4 more partners from Italy (FORMA.Azione ), Portugal (CECOA), and Lithuania (KPMPC, coordinator , and LESTU).
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The main objectives are to improve the quality and attractiveness of VET by strengthening self-assessment and PR skills for managers and trainers, and to build a community of practice among VET institutions and professionals implementing this methodology. Peer Review (PR) is a Quality Assurance approach based on self-evaluation and external evaluation. The process begins with an internal analysis, where the organization independently assesses its own training offer, processes, and results.
Next, an external evaluation is carried out by a group of 4 Peers—well-trained professionals with a similar professional background to that of the organization being reviewed. This approach fosters constructive feedback and continuous improvement through mutual learning and exchange, promoting a dynamic process of growth and development for both the reviewed organization and the peers involved.
In the long run, the project will improve the skills of VET professionals on Peer Review and let them use it to reinforce the VET sector’s contribution to a green and digital Europe. Thanks to the community of practice, the implementation of PR will be supported both at national and transnational level, improving the whole process also through a review of tools and quality indicators of the methodology itself.
To achieve such goals, the project partners organise a series of training sessions in each of the participating countries. This month, Italy leads the way, with FORMA.Azione, organising two online training courses aimed both at VET professionals who have already participated in Peer Evaluation training and activities, and those who are approaching this methodology for the first time. The sessions for experienced Peers focuses on managing Peer Evaluation processes, with special attention to the integration of digital tools and sustainable practices. Participants are exploring the adaptation of the methodology and the use digital tools for evaluation and reporting, while promoting sustainable solutions within VET organizations.
New Peers are targeted by an introductory training, providing a comprehensive overview of the Evaluation methodology between Digital and Sustainable Peers, with a specific focus on the role of Peer and the steps involved in planning, conducting and reporting Peer Visits. The other partner countries will follow shortly with the training sessions and EfVET is going to organise International Peer Learning workshops starting from January 2025.
Stay tuned for the updates on our journey towards the development of a vibrant community, promoting knowledge sharing and driving innovation, ultimately leading to improved quality, relevance, and sustainability of VET programs across Europe.
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Authors of the article: Chiara Marchetta and Giulia Soldati
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