The CERF project focuses on the development of innovative training methodologies and its curriculum for learning in five Key Competences of the European Reference Framework
The European Framework (ERF) identifies and defines, for the first time at European level, the key competences (KC) requiring citizens for personal enrichment, social inclusion, active citizenship and employability in the knowledge society. The education and training systems of the EU Member States should support the development of these skills among young people, just as they must provide real opportunities for learning and maintenance of these skills in adult education.
The CERF project (Certification Standard for European Reference Framework Key Competences) focuses on the development of five of these competences (communication in foreign languages, digital competence, social and civic competences, sense of initiative and entrepreneurship, cultural awareness and expression) by developing a comprehensive training package aimed at adults with low education and at risk of social exclusion, among which you can find immigrants, young people who have gave up studies, low-skilled workers, long term unemployed, etc.
Social and Civic Competences
Documenta, in the framework of the CERF program, has developed a comprehensive training package for social and civic competences (KC nº6). Through this proposed training curriculum, students will incorporate into their behaviour knowledge, skills and attitudes that define this competence.
Elements considered essential to the development of social competences:
- “(…) the ability to communicate constructively in different environments, to show tolerance, express and understand different viewpoints, to negotiate with the ability to create confidence, and to feel empathy. Individuals should be capable of coping with stress and frustration and expressing them in a constructive way and should also distinguish between the personal and professional spheres”.
Moreover, civic competences can be described as those that allow the individual participation in civic life which are related to:
- “(…) the ability to engage effectively with others in the public domain, and to display solidarity and interest in solving problems affecting the local and wider community. This involves critical and creative reflection and constructive participation in community or neighbourhood activities as well as decision making at all levels, from local to national and European level, in particular through voting.
Training Methodology
The relevance of this training module is its methodological approach student centered, focused on their potential and capabilities. We propose a combination of inductive and deductive methods in an open and interactive development framework to ensure assimilation of content through the practice and foresee the possible variety of student profiles.
Generally, the training methodology includes three steps:
1. Students expose their prior knowledge about the issues through brainstorming, group exercises, direct questions techniques, etc.
2. The trainer explains the basic concepts.
3. Students reorder and improve their knowledge through lectures, role play, discussion, case studies, etc.
The effectiveness of the programs developed in each competence will be tested from January 2013. In each country participating in the CERF project, one of the key competencies will be validated in specific workshops, both for trainers and end users.
Participate in CERF
If as a trainer you want to participate in training workshops developed for KC6 social and civic competences, or more information on other competences, please contact: admin@documenta.es
Further information: www.cerf.gr
