Juggling with wet Mackerel?

1. Juggling with wet Mackerel? The Challenge of Progression in Adult Guidance Sean Debney Donegal Adult Learner Guidance Service

2. Scope • What is progression? • Stakeholder perspectives and implications for measurement • Recording progression on the database • Other methods of recording progression • Using progression information • Self reflection as part of the process

3. What is Progression? • Hard Progression – Quantitative (destinations) • accredited education and training • vocational Training • employment • unaccredited education e.g. interest/hobby  • referrals • Soft Progression – Qualitative (external impact) • community engagement • contribution to society • benefits to family learning and relationships • Intangible Progression – Process (internal impact) • self-realisation and the uncovering and development of gifts. • self confidence and self esteem • well being and motivation • the ‘feelings’ of the journey through the process

4. Stakeholder Perspectives • Client • Guidance Service • VEC Management • Referral stakeholder e.g. DSFA • Department of Education and Science

5. Implications for Measurement

6. Recording Hard Progression on the Database 1 • ESF Progression • Education ready • Employment ready • Other • National Progression – linked to ESF Progression • Adult Education VEC Hobbies/Interests • Adult Education Other Intention to Progress • Considering Options Personal Development • Employment Unable to Contact • Further Education Vocational Training • Higher Education • Local Progression – linked to National Progression • Your own local list

7. Recording Hard Progression on the Database 2 • Intended • Recorded at or towards the end of the process • Attempts to record the outcome of guidance • Should be recorded for each client • Actual • Recorded after follow up activity at certain times of the year – phone call, questionnaire or evaluation • Attempt to record the progression destination • No obligation to record for each client

8. Accessing Hard Progression on the Database • DES Reporting – ESF progression against target categories • Education Progression – broken down by NQF levels • Employment Progression • National and Local reporting

9. Recording Soft Progression • Brief-But-Vivid testimonials • Case Studies • Record exit comments as people leave the session or centre

10. Experiencing Intangible Progression • Hearing/seeing the client tell their story • Experiencing transformation elicits an emotional response • Story/process experienced ‘in relationship’ to the client rather than objectively

11. Using Soft and Intangible Progression • Radio • Newspapers – editorial/advert • New groups – experience of guidance and/or learning • As a counterpoint to ‘operational focus’ in meetings – staff, management, advisory group meetings - as a way of educating people about guidance process and impact • In reports and funding proposals

12. Practitioner self reflection as part of the progression process • How do you experience the challenges of guidance work – successes and failures • How do you validate your client work internally/externally – what balance works for you • What affirmation do you need and how do you want progression recorded to support this • Who needs to know the impact and complexity of your work

13. Thank You! Any Questions?