Empowering Adult Learners: Shaping the Future of Education in Louth

Adult learners from Louth and Meath gathered at City North Hotel in Gormanstown, Co Meath, to share their experiences and help shape the future of further education. This regional meeting of the National Further Education and Training (FET) Learner Forum brought together 72 participants, providing them with a platform to discuss their learning journeys and contribute to positive change.

Key Takeaways

Learner-Centric Approach: The forum emphasized the importance of the learner voice in shaping educational services.
Positive Feedback: Participants praised their courses and tutors, highlighting transformative experiences.
Challenges Identified: Issues such as slow progression in ESOL classes and transport difficulties were discussed.
Suggestions for Improvement: Ideas included shuttle services for better accessibility and enhanced support for work placements.

The Importance Of The Learner Forum

The National FET Learner Forum is a collaborative initiative led by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organization, in partnership with SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, and local Education and Training Boards. This marks the first regional meeting of the year, with thousands of learners from across Ireland set to participate throughout 2025, sharing their experiences and insights.

Mick Burns from the Support & Development Unit at Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) emphasized, "Learner voice is such an important aspect of FET. It is a cornerstone of effective education because it respects and amplifies the perspectives of learners, creating a more dynamic, equitable, and impactful learning environment."

Transformative Experiences Shared

Facilitators at the event noted that learners spoke highly of their courses, tutors, and the overall nature of adult learning. Youthreach learners highlighted how the shyness they felt in secondary school faded in a Further Education and Training (FET) setting, describing the experience as ‘transformative’ and saying it significantly eased their anxiety.

Challenges Faced By Adult Learners

While the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, learners also highlighted some challenges:

Slow Progression in ESOL Classes: Many learners expressed frustration with the pace of English for Speakers of Other Languages classes.
Transport and Parking Issues: Difficulties accessing certain centers were noted, impacting attendance and participation.

Suggestions For Improvement

Participants offered valuable suggestions to enhance their learning experience:

Introduce Shuttle Services: To improve accessibility for learners facing transport challenges.
Greater Support for Work Placements: To help learners gain practical experience in their fields of study.
Enhanced Communication: To better connect migrant learners with local community hubs for integration and English language practice.

Conclusion

Overall, facilitators noted that learners responded very positively to the Learner Forum, particularly enjoying the peer-led discussions. Participants left the forum feeling more confident about their next steps in education. For those considering returning to education, further information is available on the AONTAS website, along with a range of programs offered by the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board.