Special needs teacher, project manager 3H -project Luovi Vocational College Finland
The 3H -project tries to help the high number of young people in VET pathways who are unmotivated or don’t feel well at school, a problem significantly accentuated by these last two years of the pandemic. The members of the 3H -project gathered 4th-6th of October 2022 in Luovi Vocational College, Oulu, Finland. Luovi offers vocational special needs education and training (VET) for young people and adults.
In Luovi we believe that each individual is special and deserves equal rights and opportunities in society. During the training the staff of Luovi Vocational College proudly presented good practices how to support young people’s motivation and commitment to their studies.
On the first training day, we learnt how to use Ruori assessment tool. The number of learners who have challenges in learning and who need special support in their studies is growing constantly. At Luovi Vocational College we believe that each individual is special and deserves equal rights and opportunities. In the RUORI self-assessment, student answers questions regarding their studying abilities and functioning. The self-assessment can be done together with a teacher or other support person. Ruori is based on ICF, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health of WHO.
It`s assessing the functional capacity of the students and recognizing the special educational needs. It is certificated by Luovi
On the second day of the training, we learnt a wide range of different digital tools that we use with our students. We were introduced to robots, with who you can practice e.g. emotional skills and make learning especially fun. We tested Thinglink, which makes it possible to make versatile and interesting study material for young people. We also focused on gamification. Gamification means practicing different subjects’ trough a game. Through a game, it is possible to find new ways of learning that are interesting to young people. Gamification can motivate, increase togetherness and encourage.
In my opinion the best part of the trainings of 3H -project is when we have change to meet the students. In Luovi there were some really brave students presenting their studies to us. They told us what makes them come to school and what motivates them. The voice of the students is the most important. E.g. Individuals support and plans, friendly and warm attention and good team spirit was brought up.
On the last training day, we had a Clinical art workshop. In this workshop, we got to make art in a multi-sensory way. Clinical art is suitable for students to support teamwork and well-being, grouping and creating a community spirit. The whole 3H project group got excited to make art with these Clinical art methods and together we created wonderful art exhibition at the end. We also practiced how to give positive feedback while respecting the work of others and paying attention to the details.
All in all, these days together were successful in every way. Together, we got to know lot of good practices to support and motivate students in their studies. We also considered how these practices could be utilized in different educational institutions. The discussion was fruitful and new ideas were born. It’s great to be part of this enthusiastic and professional group, where everyone’s main interest is young people and their well-being.
3 H Project is coordinated by ENAC, Italy.
Other partners are:
• ENDO-FAP, Roma, Italy
• Centro San Viator, Sopuerta, Basque country, Spain
• Luovi Vocational College, Oulu, Finland
• Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
• UFIL Puerta Bonita, Madrid, Spain
• STEP Institut, Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Friesland College, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
