The Further Education Support Service has put together a calendar of events for Autumn/Winter 2024 to support those working in the FET environment for SOLAS and DES funded providers. We have focused on offering on-line webinars and workshops across a range of topics. Those who register for a place on one of the on-line events will receive a link, via e-mail, that will allow them access the event on the given date and time. We will be adding more events as we finalise the details of the events, but as a start we have the following events available.
The following is a list of the current series and themes on the PD calendar - please click on the highlighted headings below for further information:
How to Maintain Wellbeing this Academic Year
Assessment - A self-directed online course on Locally Devising Assessment plus follow-up assessment clinics:
- Assessment Clinic 24 September 2024
- Assessment Clinic 9 October 2024
- Assessment Clinic 24 October 2024
- Assessment Clinic 5 November 2024
- Assessment Clinic 20 November 2024
- Assessment Clinic 5 December 2024
What do we mean by Recognition of Prior Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI), What is it and what are the opportunities and challenges for FET?
Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Creating Connections: Effective Check-In Activities for FET Learning Environments
Special Educational Needs in Further Education
Differentiation in the mixed ability classroom
AI for Teaching, Learning and Assessment in FET
Planning for Authentic and Inclusive Assessment in FET
Positive Behaviour Management for the FET classroom
Relating Transversal Skills to FET
Please note: If you would like further information about a PD event, please contact FESS at cpdbookings@fess.ie. If you would like to cancel a place at a PD event, please contact FESS at cpdcancellations@fess.ie. To ensure that the maximum number of people get the opportunity to attend a FESS PD event, please give a minimum of four working days notice when cancelling attendance.
Please also note: In response to the fact that a number of people previously booked an online place at a PD event that they subsequently didn't log into, FESS took the decision to allow more people book a place at an event than there are places for. Those who log in first at the designated time for a live online event will be those who will be accommodated with a place. We hope that by taking this action, we will be able to maximise the number of people who are getting to log in to our PD events.
In a world with many stresses and weapons of mass distraction, wellbeing and self-care needs to be part of your every day. Wellbeing is about being happy, healthy and comfortable in who you are. This course will introduce you to 3 key practical tips that you can easily implement in your daily life to help you create and maintain strong wellbeing this academic year and beyond.
The session will cover: In this session, participants will: 2. Gain an understanding of the different pillars of wellbeing and how to strengthen them. 3. Access a menu of different tips to help them effectively manage stress and lead lives with the right work life balance for them.
The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This session will be facilitated by Calodagh McCumiskey. She is an accredited master practitioner in Wellbeing and Coaching. Clients include the County Wexford Chamber Skillnet, Wexford Co. Council, WWETB, Integer, Danone, The Riverside Park Hotel and various Education Centres from around Ireland. She has a background in Aid Work and worked in high stress environments in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters for 14 years. Calodagh won the solo businessperson of the year in the Network Ireland Wexford Awards in 2023 and was runner up in the National Competition. For more information, visit: www.spiritualearth.com. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Thursday 19 September 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Assessment - A self-directed online course on Locally Devising Assessment |
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NEW!
FESS has developed this new resource to support new assessors to navigate their way through assessment for the first time. The resource focuses on the assessment of learners who are following further education and training programmes or FET programmes that lead to QQI certification at NFQ levels 1 to 6. The specific focus of the resource is on summative assessment in a locally devised assessment process which means that the detail in the resource is targeted towards assessors who are tasked with devising their own assessment briefs, examination papers and related documentation so that they can assess learners for certification purposes. The resource is divided into five modules. Each module is divided into a number of units, and each unit is divided into sections. The five modules are:
To access the course, click here A tutorial document to help you create your account, enrol on the course, complete the course and download your digital certificate can be downloaded here A short video tutorial to guide you through the process of creating an account and enrolling yourself in the course can be accessed here, it is slightly over 5 minutes long Please Note: The content of this course is similar to the content delivered previously online on the Assessment Suite that was offered as 5 x 2 hour online sessions. The target audience for this series is: Assessors new to the area of FET and engaged in a locally devised assessment process. However, the sessions may also appeal to those who wish to refresh their understanding of assessment and/or those tasked with supporting/informing the assessment process locally. Facilitation: This course has been developed by FESS to provide participants with the opportunity to engage in a self-directed online course that can be undertaken at the participant's own pace and at a time that is convenient to them. Assessment clinics to support those participating on the online course will be provided by FESS. Please note: To access the course, you will have to follow the steps in the tutorial:
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Further Information, Dates and Time | |
Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to allow participants who are completing or have completed the online Locally Devised Assessment course to pose any questions and queries that they may have as a result of engaging with the online course. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Tuesday 24 September - 16.00 to 17.00 |
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Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to allow participants who are completing or have completed the online Locally Devised Assessment course to pose any questions and queries that they may have as a result of engaging with the online course. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Wednesday 9 October - 16.00 to 17.00 |
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Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to allow participants who are completing or have completed the online Locally Devised Assessment course to pose any questions and queries that they may have as a result of engaging with the online course. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Thursday 24 October - 16.00 to 17.00 |
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Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to allow participants who are completing or have completed the online Locally Devised Assessment course to pose any questions and queries that they may have as a result of engaging with the online course. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Tuesday 5 November - 16.00 to 17.00 |
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Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to allow participants who are completing or have completed the online Locally Devised Assessment course to pose any questions and queries that they may have as a result of engaging with the online course. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Wednesday 20 November - 16.00 to 17.00 |
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Assessment Clinic This one hour online clinic is designed as a follow-up support to complement the recently delivered suite of 5 PD sessions focusing on locally devised assessment. This clinic will provide an opportunity for FET practitioners to pose any locally-devised assessment questions and queries that they may have. An informal approach will be adopted for this session where the clinic will be participant-led, which will allow for the sharing and discussion of ideas. These clinics will be hosted on Zoom and the link will be emailed to participants in advance of the event. Thursday 5 December - 16.00 to 17.00 |
Recognition of Prior Learning may be perceived as being ‘new’ and difficult to implement. This session will challenge these perceptions by providing: Facilitation: Martina has more than 20 years’ experience with the Further Education and Training (FET) sector in Ireland. As Adult Education Officer with Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), validation or recognition of prior learning (RPL) was a key feature of her work in supporting lifelong learning and social inclusion. She worked on a number of validation projects and initiatives including: the TOBAR project (Defence Forces), validation of transversal skills for low qualified employees in the food processing industry, and supported individuals and groups through the validation process. Martina worked to ensure that RPL provision was underpinned by quality processes and was involved with the development of a toolkit of resources to support the FET sector implement RPL as a part of their provision. Martina was a member of the RPL Practitioner Network National Steering Group and, more recently, a member of the organising committee for the 5th VPL Biennale which was held in Kilkenny in May. She currently provides support, training and guidance to providers who wish to embed validation of non-formal and informal learning as part of their provision. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Tuesday 1 October 2024 - 10.00 to 14.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment |
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Please note: This event is a repeat of a previous FESS PD event on 'Unlocking the Potential of Rubrics in Teaching, Learning and Assessment' first delivered online in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This online event aims to assist FET staff in the development and use of rubrics to support teaching, learning and assessment activities. This is an interactive event where participants will be provided with information, have the opportunity to engage in discussion and participate in a rubric development workshop. This event will:
Learning together in this event will help us to consider the range of possibilities rubrics can bring to teaching, learning and assessment. The target audience for this event is: FET staff including teachers, tutors, trainers, programme co-ordinators and QA staff. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Mary Sheehy (FESS). Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this event unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Thursday 3 October 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Creating Connections: Effective Check-In Activities for FET Learning Environments |
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Check-in activities serve as a bridge between social interactions, discussions, and shared experiences, playing a crucial role in shaping students' perspectives, beliefs, and understanding of contexts around them. The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Miriam O’Donoghue. Miriam is an independent facilitator, trainer and consultant with a strong background and experience of working in Education both nationally and internationally that includes teaching, lecturing and training roles at Primary, Post-primary, Further Education and Training, and Higher Education (Teacher Education) levels. Miriam has also held senior management roles in Curriculum Development, Professional Development and Education Support Services. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Thursday, 10 October 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Special Educational Needs in Further Education |
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Accommodating special educational needs in further education is a crucial aspect of our education system: it is important that our educational institutions ensure that every student, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to opportunities for learning and personal growth.
Key Areas 1. Application Process:
2. Assessment and Identification of Needs:
3. Organising Supports:
4. Case Studies and Best Practices:
Our overall aim is to equip you with the knowledge to enhance the educational experiences of students with special educational needs in Further Education with the hope that you will have a deeper understanding of the processes involved, as well as practical insights into creating a supportive and inclusive educational environment. The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Maureen Lynch, Assistant Principal in Cavan Institute and Faela Heavin, Special Educational Needs Teacher in Cavan Institute. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Wednesday, 16 October 2024 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Differentiation in the mixed ability classroom |
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Whether it is Youthreach or adults returning to education, the Further Education classroom presents tutors/teachers/instructors with a diverse cohort of learners with a wide range of learning needs. This session offers teachers an opportunity to reflect on how to differentiate their teaching to respond to this challenge. It includes: The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: Facilitation: Harry Freeman currently works as an independent education consultant. From 2002 – 2015 he worked with the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), where his primary role was that of national advisor to the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. Harry has delivered CPD to school leaders and teachers in over 450 post primary schools and FET centres across Ireland. The numerous workshops he has facilitated include: Middle Leadership, Positive Behaviour Management and Active Learning Methodologies. He was also strand leader of the Master in Education degree course in Positive Behaviour Management in Trinity College Dublin from 2009 to 2022. Previously, Harry taught Mathematics and Information Technology in Marino College, Dublin 3. His website can be accessed at www.harryfreeman.ie Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Thursday, 17 October 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
This hands on and interactive workshop will invite participants to explore what it means to plan for authentic, inclusive assessment in their FET setting. The objective of this session is to challenge, encourage and empower educators to embrace the variability of learners. They can do this by offering choice in assessment and providing opportunities to learners to showcase their knowledge and skills to the best of their ability.
The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This session will be facilitated by Carrie Archer. Carrie's pronouns are she/her. She is a qualified special education teacher who has been working in Further Education and Training for 15 years. Her interests are coaching, leadership, Communities of Practice, Universal Design for Learning and championing belonging, equity, inclusion, and diversity. She was a part of the design team with City of Dublin ETB and Trinity College Dublin who developed a master’s course in Diversity and Inclusion in FET. She currently lectures on Postgraduate and master’s programmes in the National College of Ireland on diversity and inclusion, and on assessment and feedback for educational practice. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person.
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Wednesday 23 October 2024 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
Positive Behaviour Management for the FET classroom |
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Working in the Further Education sector presents teachers/tutors/instructors with a broad range of challenges. Learners present with broad levels of motivation and a range of social, emotional and behavioural issues. These add to the complexity of the classroom context in which FE teachers practice. This session will offer practical strategies to help equip teachers to respond to the behaviours encountered daily. It will also give teachers an opportunity to share and learn from each other. The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: Harry Freeman currently works as an independent education consultant. From 2002 – 2015 he worked with the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), where his primary role was that of national advisor to the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. Harry has delivered CPD to school leaders and teachers in over 450 post primary schools and FET centres across Ireland. The numerous workshops he has facilitated include: Middle Leadership, Positive Behaviour Management and Active Learning Methodologies. He was also strand leader of the Master in Education degree course in Positive Behaviour Management in Trinity College Dublin from 2009 to 2022. Previously, Harry taught Mathematics and Information Technology in Marino College, Dublin 3. His website can be accessed at www.harryfreeman.ie Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person. |
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Further Information, Dates and Times | |
Tuesday, 12 November 2024 - 14.00 to 16.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |
This session will address the growing importance of Transversal Skills as a positive means to navigate the impact of an ever-accelerating world. A transversal skills framework developed in conjunction with Leargas will be shared. This framework can be used as a guide to Transversal Skills for FET international work placements under Erasmus +. The framework can also act as a template for the exploration and identification of Transversal Skills by teachers and tutors. The session will present the outcomes of research identifying the priority Transversal Skills for the future of work and present an overview of a toolkit developed as a support resource to those facilitating learner acquisition of Transversal Skills within FET. The target audience for this session is: FET staff including management, teachers, tutors, trainers, programme coordinators, guidance counsellors, learning support staff and wellbeing officers. Facilitation: This event will be facilitated by Dr Marie Cleary. Marie is founder and director at ThirdSpace Consultants. She has extensive experience working with senior management and their teams to deliver strategic management interventions, facilitate change, develop leaders and build high performance teams. Before moving into Consulting, Marie was a teacher of Music and English at second level for 10 years. Her 20+ years Consulting career has spanned both public and private sector internationally. Her qualifications in Business, Education, Finance and Psychology, coupled with her previous roles in management of EU funding, gives her an expansive skillset to work in a variety of settings. Marie is a coaching psychologist with extensive experience as an executive coach and has worked at a senior level to assist clients resolve challenging issues, build resilience and enhance leadership capability. Marie is passionate about intercultural education and is closely connected to the work of Leargas across the fields of Youth, Further Education and School Education. Please note: Pre-booking is essential. Please do not book onto this session unless you are sure that you will attend / have approval to attend (if required). If an emergency arises, please inform us ASAP (cpdcancellations@fess.ie) as we operate a waiting list system and if time allows, we can offer your booked place to another person.
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Further Information, Date and Time | |
Tuesday 26 November 2024 - 10.00 to 12.00 A link to this online event will be emailed in advance. |