There is seldom one single reason to the learner drop out of school. It is a process shaped by many factors that interact in ways that are both complex and dynamic. These factors can relate not only to individual characteristics or circumstances, but also to factors at school, community, and safe environment.
This time by attending the Conference “The future skills revolution to VET and CVET in Europe”, my personal attention was focused on new methods and tools which could be used to identify the risks of dropping out of studies, utilizing e.g., artificial intelligence. On preventing the drop out of studies, where emphasis could be placed on low-threshold guidance and counselling services, and the possibilities of digitalisation in the provision of these services.
The visits to local schools were a great opportunity to discuss main problems and solutions how to manage and prevent drop out at the level of practical training. By visiting Ylä-Savo Vocational College, in discussions with teachers and colleagues, naturally emerged two areas of scope, where teachers and learners must act together: safe learning environment and active learning. Safe Learning Environment
It is difficult to create a balance between a safe school and a welcoming, caring environment. It is important to create a school climate that does not tolerate bullying, intimidation, and terrorism. Students who are afraid often stay away from school. A safe and orderly learning environment provides both physical and emotional security as well as daily experiences, enhance positive social attitudes and effective interpersonal skills. Active Learning Active learning and student cohesion strategies engage and involve students in meaningful ways as partners in their own learning. These strategies include student voice and choice; effective feedback, peer assessment, goal setting; cooperative learning; thinking critically, creatively, and reflectively, discussion, and two-way communication. To be most effective, teachers must provide students with tools and strategies to organize themselves and any new material; techniques to use while reading, writing, and doing practical; and systematic steps to follow when working through a task or reflecting upon their own learning. Practical benefits of cooperation A new project proposal between Ylä-Savo Municipal Federation of Education and Kaunas educational center of technologies “What about then – Preventing drop out” filled with new ideas and insights. The project proposal addresses early school leaving and failure in education which is a top priority in VET and thus a relevant issue in the project partner countries as well as in Europe at large. Digital content, technologies and practices of social responsibility are also European priorities.
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